Prehistoric Human Migration in Europe

Recently, a new research was conducted by two researchers from the University of Wyoming. The research was aimed at determining migration patterns across Europe during the prehistoric times. During the study the DNA of ancient skeletal remains of people from southeastern Europe was put to use. It revealed that the region of southeastern Europe became a huge genetic contact zone between the East and West. The archaeological studies have asserted that two major migrations passed through southeastern Europe. The first major migration took place in 6,000 Before Common Era (BCE). It happened when the first farmers from Anatolia, Asia Minor, extended through Europe. The second migration took place around (3,000-2,500 BCE). It was when the "steppe population," from the Eurasian steppe, substituted for much of northern Europe's previous population. The research found that the first farmers of northern and western Europe passed through southeastern Europe, possessing limited hunter-gatherer genetic admixture. This usually happens when two or more previously isolated populations start interbreeding. The region of southeastern Europe witnessed interactions between groups of hunter gatherers both before and after the arrival of farming. In order to conclude this study the researchers gathered DNA data from skeletal remains of more than 225 individuals who lived in southeastern Europe between 12,000 and 500 B.C. The present study has proved extremely beneficial in order to understand the relationship between migrations, admixture and subsistence in the key region of southeastern Europe. The study has largely imparted clarity with regard to the genomic history of southeastern Europe.

By: Anuja Arora

Content: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180221152406.htm