Archaeogenetics or palaeogenetics explore the past by analysing DNA sequences from archaeobiological finds, so-called ancient DNA (aDNA). In regard of wetland sites the prehistoric lakeshore settlements in the circum-Alpine region are valuable archives for studying early farming history: for many sites dendrochronological dates exist and genetic data could provide answers to early animal husbandry and agricultural strategies at precise time scales. Biological remains such as from animals and plants are beautifully preserved in waterlogged condition and in case of a fire event, charred preservation is also found. Both, water and the heat of fire lead to the destruction of DNA. Yet, we found the DNA is preserved at some sites after thousands of years or when analyses were done immediately after excavation. We will present examples of aDNA research of waterlogged preserved archaeobiological material from Swiss lakeshore settlements and other sites with waterlogged preservation.
In recent years the development of new methods largely extended the potential of aDNA analyses from wetland sites, and archaeo-/palaeogenomes will be the future.