Study Reveals Genetic Evolution of Bronze Age Pastoralists in the Caucasus

Researchers uncover the genetic and cultural transformations of steppe pastoralist groups over 6,000 years in the Caucasus region.

A team of international researchers analyzed 131 ancient individuals from the Caucasus, revealing significant genetic shifts over 6,000 years.
The study highlights the interaction and gene flow between hunter-gatherers and early farmers, leading to the formation of distinct genetic ancestries.
The emergence of Eneolithic cultures and the Maykop phenomenon marked a period of significant cultural and technological innovations.
Bronze Age innovations, including herd management and mobility advancements, paved the way for the spread of nomadic pastoralism across Eurasia.
Environmental changes and cultural interactions led to the eventual decline and transformation of these pastoralist societies in the 2nd millennium BC.