New Russian study sheds light on the early Christian period in Russia

 A new Russian study (->link) sheds light on the genetic heritage of the medieval population of Russia. Unfortunately, Iron Age samples from the second half of the first millennium have not been available due to the cremation burials typical of the period. The situation is the same in this respect as in Finland. Cremation was a common burial method in the first millennium in Finland, with a few exceptions. It would be interesting to compare Iron Age samples from the areas of present-day Russia and Finland. However, the study shows that the current Russian-speaking population was divided into East Slavic and Finno-Ugric populations in the early Christian period. It is clear that in the Iron Age, before the expansion of the East Slavic peoples, a larger part of the population represented Finno-Ugric peoples. This is also reflected in the analyses of the study, where the population classified as East Slavic is placed in the middle ground between other Slavic groups and Finno-Ugric peoples. The study does not provide strong evidence of the Scandinavian heritage cherished by Western historiography in Russia. In addition to the Slavic and Finno-Ugric ancient populations, both of these show a weak Tatar influence compared to the Finns and Balts who don't show it. 

Finally, ancient dna from Eura Luistari

Eura's Luistari is the most famous Iron Age burial site in Finland. The extensive cemetery covers burials from the Migration Period to the late Viking Age. What is unusual about these burials is the unusual inhumation burial method for the period and the lack of cremation. New research proves a local heritage that lacks both Scandinavian and Baltic influence, The Jerusalem Post states in its news. The study doesn't try to investigate the social status of individuals, the article continues. 

Link

Swedish queen who was buried in Finland

 Karin Månsdotter (->link) is the only Swedish royal buried in Finland. Karin was born into a lower estate, but became Queen of Sweden as the wife of Erik XIV in 1568. Karin was by no means the only member of the house-born estate to end up in the Swedish royal family. Erik, however, was unpopular and was deposed by his brother, and his reign was short-lived. Erik and Karin were imprisoned, Karin was later sent to Finland, and Erik, who had been in captivity, was probably murdered. Karin lived for decades in Finland and was buried as a noble in Turku Cathedral after her death. The grave has now been opened and new research (->link) is unraveling Karin's story using archaeological and ancient genetic methods.