The rise and transformation of Bronze Age pastoralists in the Caucasus.
Ghalichi Ayshin, A Reinhold, Sabine S et al.
Publication Details
Comprehensive information about this research publication
Abstract
Summary of the research findings
The Caucasus and surrounding areas, with their rich metal resources, became a crucible of the Bronze Age1 and the birthplace of the earliest steppe pastoralist societies2. Yet, despite this region having a large influence on the subsequent development of Europe and Asia, questions remain regarding its hunter-gatherer past and its formation of expansionist mobile steppe societies3-5. Here we present new genome-wide data for 131 individuals from 38 archaeological sites spanning 6,000 years. We find a strong genetic differentiation between populations north and south of the Caucasus mountains during the Mesolithic, with Eastern hunter-gatherer ancestry4,6 in the north, and a distinct Caucasus hunter-gatherer ancestry7 with increasing East Anatolian farmer admixture in the south. During the subsequent Eneolithic period, we observe the formation of the characteristic West Eurasian steppe ancestry and heightened interaction between the mountain and steppe regions, facilitated by technological developments of the Maykop cultural complex8. By contrast, the peak of pastoralist activities and territorial expansions during the Early and Middle Bronze Age is characterized by long-term genetic stability. The Late Bronze Age marks another period of gene flow from multiple distinct sources that coincides with a decline of steppe cultures, followed by a transformation and absorption of the steppe ancestry into highland populations.
AI-Generated Summary
AI-generated by DNAGENICSIndependent AI summary of ancestry and genetic findings from the published study
Important: This summary is AI-generated by DNAGENICS for informational purposes only. It was not created by, affiliated with, or endorsed by the researchers behind the original publication, and is based solely on that published research. It may contain errors or omissions. DNAGENICS disclaims all liability for any inaccuracies or consequences arising from use of this information. Verify all information against the original publication. This is not professional scientific review or medical advice.