8 Magyar raw DNA files in 23andme format, hungary 10th century

The Magyars, ancestors of modern Hungarians, originated from the forest-steppe region south of the Ural Mountains, an area inhabited by Uralic-speaking peoples. Their ethnogenesis is linked to the broader Ugric branch of the Uralic language family, which they share with the Khanty and Mansi peoples of Western Siberia. This shared ancestry is reflected in linguistic similarities, particularly in terms related to kinship, nature, and daily life. Over time, the Magyars migrated south and west, eventually separating from their Siberian relatives. This movement brought them into contact with Turkic tribes, who influenced their language, culture, and societal structure.

Magyar society was organized into clans and tribes, led by chieftains who wielded both military and political power. Pre-Christian Magyars practiced animistic and shamanistic beliefs, worshipping nature spirits and deities associated with the sky, earth, and ancestors. Shamans, known as táltos, played a central role in spiritual and healing practices. The Magyars used mounted archery and swift cavalry tactics, which they perfected in the steppe environment.

Magyar clothing reflected their Uralic roots, adapted to the harsh steppe climate. Wool, leather, and felt were the primary materials, with some use of silk and brocade acquired through trade. Men wore loose trousers tucked into boots, long tunics belted at the waist, and fur-lined cloaks for warmth. They adorned themselves with belts decorated with metal plaques, a tradition borrowed from steppe cultures. Women wore long dresses, often layered with aprons or sleeveless overcoats. Embroidery and woven patterns, inspired by both Uralic and Turkic motifs, were common decorations.

During their early history, the Magyars were primarily nomadic or semi-nomadic, so their architectural traditions centered on portable or temporary structures, such as Yurts. Influenced by Turkic and steppe cultures, the Magyars used portable tent-like dwellings made of felt stretched over a wooden frame. These were ideal for their mobile lifestyle. When they began to settle in the Carpathian Basin during the 9th century, they adopted more permanent structures. Early Magyar buildings were simple, constructed with wood and wattle-and-daub techniques, reflecting the influence of Slavic and Avar neighbors. As their society transitioned to a sedentary lifestyle, the Magyars began constructing wooden fortifications and small settlements with defensive earthworks.

For this video, I gathered the genomes of 8 medieval Magyars from 10th century hungary. I ran the DNA samples through my trait predictor tool for DNA analysis.