Early Germans from Hanover 7 samples 23andme Format

During the medieval period, the Germans were a diverse collection of tribes and kingdoms that played a central role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of Europe. Tribes such as the Saxons, Franks, Bavarians, and Swabians were foundational to the region that would later become modern Germany. The city of interest for this video, Hanover, was heavily influenced by the Saxons, one of the most prominent tribes in the region. The city’s name itself derives from Honovere, meaning “high bank,” referencing its strategic position on the Leine River. Although Hanover emerged as a major urban center later in the medieval period, its roots lie in Saxon settlements, which provided the foundation for its growth as a trade hub and center of governance.

Medieval German architecture varied by region but was deeply influenced by Romanesque and later Gothic styles. Early Saxon buildings were often wooden and utilitarian, reflecting the needs of agrarian communities. Over time, as wealth increased, more durable stone structures, such as castles, cathedrals, and town halls, began to appear. Hanover itself saw the construction of several prominent structures, including churches and fortifications, which served as symbols of both religious devotion and political power. German pottery in this era was largely functional, with unglazed earthenware being the norm for everyday use. However, glazed ceramics and elaborately decorated vessels became more common in the High Middle Ages, especially in urban centers like Hanover.

Clothing styles of medieval Germans were practical yet displayed regional variations and social distinctions. Wool and linen were common fabrics, with wealthier individuals adorning themselves in brightly dyed garments and occasionally incorporating silk and fur. Saxon warriors and nobles wore tunics with belts, cloaks fastened by brooches, and distinctive leather shoes. Weaponry reflected the martial traditions of Germanic tribes. The Saxons were known for their seaxes—single-edged blades used in both combat and daily tasks—alongside swords, spears, and shields. With the growing influence of feudalism, knights in the region began to adopt chainmail, helmets, and more sophisticated weaponry, echoing broader European trends. Hanover’s strategic location and its Saxon heritage positioned it as a key player in the political and cultural evolution of medieval Germany.

For this video, I gathered 7 genomes of medieval inhabitants of hanover dating to 8th century AD. I cherrypicked the samples, excluding those with a Scandinavian genetic profile, and only including those samples with a genetic profile that resembles modern Germans.

I ran the samples through my trait predictor tool for DNA analysis.