Variable Kinship Patterns in Neolithic Anatolia Revealed by Ancient Genomes

We present genetic kinship networks of individuals co-buried within domestic structures in Neolithic Anatolia, produced using ancient genomes. In the 9th and early 8th millennia BCE, in phases of Asikli and Boncuklu Höyük characterised by small curvilinear buildings, siblings and parent-offspring predominate co-burials, evidencing a nuclear family element in kin relationships. In Çatalhöyük and Barcin of the 7th millennium BCE, characterised by larger rectangular buildings, we find a lower frequency of genetic kin among co-burials, suggesting that the buildings were used by non-genetic kin groups. Furthermore, the frequent co-burials of first-degree related females in Neolithic Anatolia appear distinct from patriarchal burial patterns described for post-7th millennium BCE Europe, highlighting the shifting nature of kinship through the Neolithic.