Ancient DNA reveals new details about the Avars, fearsome warriors who built an empire that ruled Central and Eastern Europe for 250 years from the mid-sixth century.

Before the flood Eridu was a foundational city in Sumerian culture, the world’s earliest known civilization, which flourished from around the fourth to second millennia B.C. in what is now Iraq.

(CNN) — Ancient DNA is spilling more secrets about the Avars, a fearsome people who built a mysterious empire that ruled much of Central and Eastern Europe for 250 years from the mid-sixth century.

Ancient DNA reveals new details about the Avars, warriors who built an empire that ruled Central and Eastern Europe for 250 years from the mid-sixth century.