137 ancient human genomes from across the Eurasian steppes

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137 ancient genomes reveal 4,000 years of steppe migrations and genetic shifts.

This study sequenced 137 ancient Eurasian steppe individuals spanning 4,000 years. It shows that Iron Age Scythians were genetically diverse, with roots in Late Bronze Age herders, European farmers, and Siberian hunter-gatherers. Later, Scythians mixed with eastern steppe nomads (Xiongnu), moved west, and became the Huns, carrying an early form of plague. Medieval khanates brought more East Asian admixture, transforming the steppe from Indo-European to Turkic-speaking populations.

• Scythian groups were genetically highly structured, with mixed origins from Late Bronze Age herders, European farmers, and southern Siberian hunter-gatherers.
• Scythians admixed with Xiongnu nomads, moved west, formed Hun traditions, and carried a plague basal to the Justinian plague.
• Medieval khanates further mixed these nomads with East Asian groups, shifting the steppe from Indo-European to Turkic-speaking populations.

Sample interpretation

The site includes 86 samples with Y-chromosome data. Major Y haplogroups are J-A14140 (4), R-Z2124 (3), R-M417 (3), and others like J-Y18217, R-S21872, Q-ZS3313, R-F1019, Q-L715. Top mtDNA lineages are HV6 (3), W1c (2), U4a2 (2), D4j8 (2), A-a1 (2), C4b1 (2). Cultures range from Scythian and Saka to Hun, Kangju, and medieval nomads, with sites like Central Steppe Iron Age (36) and Tianshan Xiongnu (24).

For genealogy enthusiasts

For ancestry enthusiasts, this shows the steppe was a dynamic mixing zone. Y and mtDNA lineages reflect both West and East Eurasian roots, helping trace how ancient nomads contributed to modern Turkic and Indo-European populations.