In Iron Age Britain, women remained with their families while men migrated to join them. A new study uncovers a surprising ancient social structure — one that challenges what we thought we knew.
The Iron Age in Britain, which began in 750 BCE and lasted until the arrival of the Romans in 43 CE, was characterized by men leaving their parental homes, while women remained living close to their families of origin — according to a new genetic study. Researchers analyzed DNA from 57 skeletons discovered in a burial chamber belonging to the Celtic Durotriges tribe in southwest England, as well as from additional skeletons from other sites. The findings reveal a surprising social pattern: women stayed in their childhood communities, while men arrived from other regions — a phenomenon known as matrilocality. This is the most comprehensive study to date for understanding the structure of Celtic society through DNA samples and builds upon samples from previous studies.
To trace population movements, researchers used genetic sequencing of remains from the Iron Age found at various archaeological sites across Britain. Comparing the DNA found in these skeletons to genetic data from ancient and modern European populations revealed genetic overlap with areas in northwestern Europe, such as France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This indicates waves of migration from the continent to the British Isles during this period.
For years, historians and archaeologists believed that during the Iron Age, there was little widespread population movement into Britain. However, the new study challenges this view, pointing to much broader genetic ties to continental Europe — suggesting that the movement of people was an integral part of life in the region.
The researchers analyzed DNA from skeletons discovered in a burial chamber of the Celtic Durotriges tribe in southwest England and from additional skeletons at other sites. An archaeologist uncovers a skeleton at the site | Bournemouth University
Local Women, Migrating Men
One of the key discoveries of the study is the presence of a matrilocal pattern — a situation where men join their wives' communities, while women remain in their place of birth. To identify this, the researchers analyzed the Y chromosome, which is passed from father to son, and mitochondrial DNA, which is passed from mother to her children. They found that the Y chromosome was highly diverse, indicating significant movement of men from various regions, whereas mitochondrial DNA remained relatively stable — a sign that women stayed in their communities.
This finding suggests that women played a central role in preserving local traditions and culture. It is possible that the migrating men integrated into local communities through marriage or other social mechanisms, and adapted to local cultural values. A previous study on Neolithic populations, who lived between 4850 and 4500 BCE, showed the opposite trend — that women moved to their husbands' homes. However, the new research reveals that a shift occurred after that period.
“This is quite exciting,” said archaeologist Rachel Pope of the University of Liverpool in an interview with Science. “There are moments in time in which societies seem to have a lot of high female status.”
The matrilocal structure may also have influenced political dynamics. If women were the stable element within the community, they may have held significant roles in family and community management, and even in political decision-making. Similar models have been found in other cultures, such as early Balkan Greeks and the Basques until relatively recently — suggesting that this structure was widespread and viable in ancient Europe.
The study's findings suggest that women played a key role in preserving local tradition and culture. A decorated bronze mirror from the excavation site | Chris Moody/Bournemouth University
Women Leading the Way
The study’s conclusions challenge conventional perceptions, showing that the British Isles were connected to Europe not only culturally but also genetically. DNA analysis indicates that the southern region, especially along the English Channel, served as a significant hub for cultural and genetic exchange. Unlike the more isolated northern areas such as Wales and Scotland, the south became a melting pot of external influences — a phenomenon also reflected in archaeological findings. The researchers also identified significant migration streams dating back to the Bronze Age (2500 to 800 BCE) and continuing into the Late Iron Age (800 BCE to 45 CE), including evidence of previously undocumented settlements.
It is possible that matrilocal traditions played a central role in maintaining social ties and even in managing land ownership, casting doubt on the assumption that prehistoric societies were always patrilocal.
The use of advanced genetic methods has revealed a new and fascinating picture of Iron Age Britain. The society was connected to Europe, open to change, and characterized by a social structure in which women were likely a central part of the community, while men were the ones integrating into existing groups. The combination of archaeological and genetic knowledge allows us to expand our understanding of human history — and to realize how much history is a continuous process of change, and above all, how much we still have to learn about humankind.