– Origins in Africa: The earliest settlers in Europe migrated from Africa around 45,000 years ago. –
– Hunter-Gatherers: These settlers lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers, relying on wild plants and animals for survival. –
– Interbreeding with Neanderthals: DNA evidence shows early humans interbred with Neanderthals, leaving traces in modern genomes. –
– Diverse Lineages: Genetic studies reveal at least three distinct waves of migration into Europe over tens of thousands of years. –
– Adaptation to Climate: Mutations related to skin pigmentation, cold tolerance, and diet evolved over time. –
– Agricultural Revolution: Around 8,000 years ago, farmers from the Near East introduced agriculture to Europe, mixing with local populations. –
– Steppe Influence: Nomadic herders from the Eurasian Steppe contributed to the genetic makeup of Europeans around 5,000 years ago. –
– Evolution of Lactose Tolerance: The ability to digest milk in adulthood spread widely due to farming communities. –
– Genetic Legacy: Modern Europeans carry a mix of genes from hunter-gatherers, early farmers, and steppe herders. –
- Cultural Impact: These migrations and intermixing shaped Europe’s diverse languages, traditions, and populations.