The origin of the Don Maeotians and Sarmatians according to palaeogenetic data(based on results of autosomal STR loci)

The aim of the study was to identify major alleles for populations of the Lower Don Maeotians and Sarmatians and compare their frequency with that of metapopulations. Population characteristics by autosomal STR loci have been studied based on the analysis of 7 burials from the Cherkasov barrow ground attributed to the Middle and Late Sarmatian Culture, 24 burials of the Maeotian Culture from the necropolis of the Nizhnegnilovskaia city site, and 3 burials of the Maeotian Culture from the necropolis of the Temernik city site. The data obtained were compared with the results of archaeological and anthropological studies of the Maeotians and Sarmatians of the Lower Don.