Mysterious Collapse Reshaped Europe 5,000 Years Ago, Scientists Say

Ancient DNA from a megalithic tomb near Paris shows a sharp population break around 3000 BCE.

The earlier burial phase had many young deaths and traces of disease-causing bacteria, while a genetically distinct group later moved into the Paris Basin.

Researchers say disease, famine, conflict, or a combination of pressures may have driven the Neolithic decline.

The study highlights how ancient genomes can reveal population replacement, migration, and possible disease impacts.