SedaDNA analysis of Durrington Walls : a new class of Neolithic monument

Damage signatures obtained reveal a generally stratified pattern of damage, with ancient signals concentrated to the lower strata of these pits. We detected a large presence of mammal species within the lower strata that were found to be overwhelmingly sheep and cow DNA. Interestingly, we see minimal deer and pig presence within these pits.

We find the deposition of these animals is unlikely to be random, with sheep concentrated to the south of the monument, and cows dispersed to the north and south. This project presents a detailed insight into the taphonomic processes effecting terrestrial sediments revealing a general pattern of stratification in these cores, and no evidence of post-depositional DNA leaching. Further taphonomic analyses revealed that most of the sedaDNA present is associated with the influxing sediments, the driving factor of which is the amount of clay present in the sediment.

Combined with other proxies, our analysis provides a detailed insight into the Neolithic paleoenvironment of Durrington Walls.