Within‑family ancient‑DNA tests elite claims

Compare genetic trait scores and burial richness inside documented pedigrees to see whether 'elite' genetic signatures persist once close kinship is removed. Using within‑family contrasts (siblings, parent–child, family averages vs individual deviations) reduces confounding by inherited social status and clarifies whether elites were genetically distinct or simply part of privileged dynasties. — If within‑family controls erase elite–genetics correlations, many claims about biological differences in past hierarchies (and by extension modern inferences) need rethinking; the method also provides a template for responsibly using polygenic scores on small, structured ancient samples.