Researchers determined that the Las Gobas settlement, which consists of caves carved into rocks, was used between the 7th and 11th centuries. Genetic studies performed on the skeletons of 33 people found in the region revealed that the community had lived in the same closed environment for a long time. In the analyses, it was determined that while a significant portion of individuals had close kinship relationships, the society had very limited contact with outside groups.
ISOLATED LIFE LEAVED GENETIC TRACES
Scientists found findings indicating consanguineous marriages in approximately 63 percent of the genetic samples examined. According to experts, this shows that the community largely survived on its own for at least five centuries. Additionally, lower genetic diversity was detected in the inhabitants of Las Gobas compared to other populations of the medieval Iberian Peninsula. It is considered that this situation may increase health problems in the long term.
Examinations of the skeletons revealed not only genetic isolation but also conflicts within society. Traces of trauma, thought to be due to sword blows or hard blows, were found on some skulls and bones. Researchers state that these findings indicate that there were occasional violent incidents within the cave community.
TRACES OF Smallpox Were Found
One of the most striking results of the research was the findings regarding smallpox. Traces of the smallpox virus, one of the deadliest diseases of Medieval Europe, were detected in ancient DNA analysis. Experts assess that the disease may have reached the community through pigs, which are widely consumed in the region. It is stated that epidemics may have had much more devastating consequences due to isolated living conditions.
Archaeologists state that it is still not known exactly why Las Gobas, which was thought to have been abandoned towards the end of the 11th century, was evacuated. Diseases, lack of resources, internal conflicts or political changes of the period are among the possible reasons. However, the remains found in the caves are considered to be one of the most comprehensive data ever obtained about the daily life of this extraordinary society that lived underground for centuries.
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