A new DNA study of over 200 skeletons from post-Roman southern Germany offers fresh insights into life after the fall of the Western Roman Empire collapse. Researchers found that lifelong monogamy was the norm, with little evidence of remarriage or polygamy, likely influenced by rising Christian practices.
The study also revealed harsh realities — nearly one in four children lost a parent early, yet most grew up with extended family support. Surprisingly, life expectancy may have increased compared to Roman times, possibly due to fewer large-scale wars and smaller, less crowded communities.
These findings reshape our understanding of how societies adapted and evolved after Rome’s decline.
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