The transition from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to farming in late Stone Age Europe was far from peaceful, according to a recent study. Researchers have discovered that in southern Scandinavia, the population was entirely replaced by farmer-settlers not once, but twice within a span of just a thousand years. The DNA profiles of the newcomers show little to no trace of their predecessors, indicating a violent takeover that involved the wiping out of nomadic populations.
Using a technique called shotgun sequencing, the international team of researchers analyzed DNA samples from 100 human remains found in Denmark, spanning over 7,300 years of history. By focusing on a specific region with favorable conditions for both foraging and farming, the researchers were able to map out gene flows between populations and changes in vegetation over time. The analysis revealed that around 5,900 years ago, a farmer population drove out the existing hunter-gatherer communities, clearing forests to make way for farmland.
The study shows that the dominance of the first farmers in Scandinavia was short-lived, as another wave of newcomers from the eastern Steppes, known as the Yamnaya, swiftly replaced them. This rapid population turnover led to the emergence of a new cultural group called the Single Grave culture. The DNA profile of the initial farmers was essentially erased, with very few descendants from the predecessor populations. This pattern of violent turnover was also observed in Sweden, pointing to a similar course of events in neighboring regions.
The findings from this study shed light on the complex dynamics of ancient populations in Europe and their impact on modern-day genetic profiles. By understanding the genetic ancestry of Danish and Swedish people, researchers hope to uncover genetic markers that could help explain modern health patterns and the prevalence of certain diseases. This knowledge could prove invaluable for medical research, offering insights into the hereditary factors that influence susceptibility to various conditions.
The study highlights the violent nature of the transition from hunter-gatherer to farming societies in late Stone Age Europe. The eradication of existing populations by incoming farmer-settlers demonstrates the brutal realities of early civilization and the impact it had on genetic diversity. By delving into the past, researchers can deepen our understanding of human heredity and potentially unlock valuable insights that could improve medical research and help address modern health challenges.