Ancient genomes suggest the eastern Pontic-Caspian steppe as the source of western Iron Age nomads

AI interpretationAI-generated

Ancient DNA reveals the eastern Pontic-Caspian steppe as a source for western Iron Age nomads.

This study sequenced 35 ancient genomes from Bronze Age Srubnaya-Alakulskaya and Iron Age Cimmerian, Scythian, and Sarmatian nomads. The results show that these groups were genetically linked but not direct ancestors of one another. Instead, the nomadic populations were heterogeneous, with genetic ties to the Far East and southern Urals. A stable shared genetic signature points to the eastern Pontic-Caspian steppe as a likely source for western nomadic groups.

• No direct ancestry between successive nomadic groups despite genetic links.
• Nomadic populations were genetically heterogeneous, with affinities to Far East and southern Urals.
• A stable shared genetic signature suggests the eastern Pontic-Caspian steppe as a source for western nomads.

Sample interpretation

The study analyzed 29 samples with Y-chromosome resolution for 16. Cultures include Srubnaya-Alakulskaya (11), Scythian (7), Late Sarmatian (5), and Cimmerian (3). Y-haplogroups are mostly R1a lineages (e.g., R-S466, R-Y53), with one I-Y7219. Mitochondrial DNA includes U5b2b, U4b1a1a1, HV0a, H2a1, U5a2a1, and T1a1. Dates range from 3450±30 years ago to 971-809 years ago.

For genealogy enthusiasts

For ancestry enthusiasts, this means western Iron Age nomads like Scythians and Sarmatians likely trace back to the eastern Pontic-Caspian steppe, not directly from earlier local groups. Expect genetic diversity and connections to distant regions in your ancient DNA matches.