Prehistoric 'nuclear family' discovered

Researchers said an ancient grave containing the remains of a father and mother with their two sons represents the oldest genetic evidence of a nuclear family. Scientists also say the family met a violent end. The burial site, one of four discovered in 2005 near Eulau, Germany, is thought to be around 4,600 years old.

A grave with the remains of a mother and father huddled together with two sons has been dated to 4,600 years ago and marks the oldest genetic evidence for a nuclear family, researchers say.The individuals were carefully arranged in their graves to denote they were part of a biological family, the researchers say. Wounds on the remains suggest the parents and kids were defending themselves against a violent raid, involving stone axes and arrows, at the time of their deaths. link