Regional and Local Studies
Every village, ancient settlement site, lake, and forest edge has its own story. To uncover these stories more deeply, we weave together insights from archaeology, dialects, folklore, and landscapes. At the same time, we explore how people have shaped their living environment—and how that environment, in turn, has influenced language, genetic heritage, and identity.
Ongoing Case Studies
1. Mobility in the 13th Century: The Case of the Veibri Mass Grave
Lead: Raivo Suni
Members: Ülle‑Aguraiuja Lätti, Stefania Sasso (archaeogenomics), Alena Kushniarevich (archaeogenomics), Kristiina Tambets (archaeogenomics), Ester Oras (archaeochemistry), Mari Tõrv (archaeochemistry), Martin Malve (osteology)
DESCRIPTION
In 2010, a mass grave discovered in Veibri near Tartu revealed the remains of ten men who had died violently. The position of the bodies already suggested that they may have been “outsiders”: the men appeared to have been thrown into the grave, likely carried by their hands and feet, their skeletons piled atop one another, and no objects had been buried with them. Initial isotope analyses also pointed to a non‑local origin.
This study combines multiple isotope analyses (Sr, S, O, N, and C) with ancient DNA research to determine where these men came from. Answering this question will allow further insights into mobility and social contacts in the region during that period.
2. Sub‑study of “Islands and the Gulf of Riga”: Archaeogenomic Study of the Livonians
Leads: Alena Kushniarevich (archaeogenomics), Karl Pajusalu (linguistics)
Members: Heiki Valk (archaeology), Miina Norvik (linguistics), Kristiina Tambets (archaeogenomics), Alena Kushniarevich (archaeogenomics), Lehti Saag (archaeogenomics), Erkin Alacamli (archaeogenomics)
DESCRIPTION
In the Late Iron Age and Early Middle Ages, the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea was home to several ethnic groups, fostering cultural exchange and interaction. Among these groups were the Livonians—a Finnic‑speaking people living along the eastern Baltic coast, particularly in the lower reaches of the Daugava and Gauja rivers. Understanding the formation, genetic history, and cultural development of Finnic‑ and Baltic‑speaking groups requires a detailed investigation of Livonian origins and their interactions with neighbouring Baltic populations.
The aim of this case study is to reconstruct changes in the genetic landscape of the eastern Baltic coast from the Late Iron Age to the present. Our analysis uses newly generated ancient DNA data from human remains excavated in present‑day Latvia in Finnic (Livonian) or Baltic cultural contexts. These are complemented by comparative data from other ancient and modern populations in the region. We compare these genetic “maps” with linguistic evidence to identify parallels and divergences between genetic patterns and cultural developments. Archaeological and historical data further enrich the interdisciplinary perspective.
Drawing on genetics, linguistics, archaeology, and history, we aim to provide a more comprehensive overview of demographic changes along the eastern Baltic coast, particularly those connected to the spread of Finnic languages.
3. Estonian–Latvian Cultural Unity
Leads: Miina Norvik, Mari Väina
Participating groups: linguistics, folkloristics, archaeology, genetics
Members: Anne‑Mai Ilumäe, Pikne Kama, Heiki Valk, Mari Tõrv, Karl Pajusalu, Uldis Balodis, Denys Teptiuk, Gerson Klumpp, Mari Väina, Liina Saarlo, Kärri Toomeos‑Orglaan
DESCRIPTION
The aim of this case study is to clarify the settlement areas, contacts, and intermingling of Estonian—particularly South Estonian—and Latvian populations (with a broader Finnic–Baltic background), as well as the outcomes of these processes as reflected in the datasets of the various Estonian Roots working groups.
