New research reveals that hunter-gatherers, not early farmers as previously thought, colonized the remotest Mediterranean islands, including Crete, Cyprus, and the Balearic Islands, thousands of years earlier than previously believed. Analysis of obsidian artifacts across these islands points to seafaring capabilities and extensive trade networks originating from mainland sources like Anatolia, Sardinia, and the Lipari Islands during the Epipaleolithic and early Mesolithic periods. This suggests sophisticated maritime navigation skills and a wider spread of these groups across the Mediterranean much earlier in prehistory than the established narrative allows, pushing back the timeline for island colonization by several millennia.
Analysis of ancient human remains from the once-lush Sahara Desert reveals a genetically distinct group of people who thrived there during the African Humid Period. These "Green Sahara" inhabitants, dating back 5,000 to 10,000 years ago, possessed unique genetic markers unlike any present-day populations in North or Sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting a long period of isolation and independent evolution within this region before its desertification. This discovery challenges existing narratives of early human migration and settlement across Africa, highlighting a previously unknown branch of human ancestry that emerged and disappeared with the changing Saharan climate.
Hacker News users discussed the implications of the article's findings, expressing skepticism about the claim of a "unique" human group. Some commenters highlighted the fluidity of human movement and intermingling, especially in pre-historic times, making definitive claims of uniqueness difficult. Others pointed out the challenges in drawing conclusions based on limited skeletal remains and the potential for misinterpretations. The discussion also touched on the Sahara's history of cyclical climate changes and the impact on human populations, with some emphasizing that the region has seen numerous migrations and cultural exchanges over millennia. A few commenters criticized Science Alert's sensationalized reporting style. Overall, the consensus seemed to be that while the findings are interesting, the framing of a "unique" group is potentially misleading and warrants further investigation.
A new study combining ancient DNA analysis with linguistic and archaeological data suggests the Indo-European language family originated with the Yamnaya pastoralists who migrated from the Pontic-Caspian steppe into Europe around 5,000 years ago. These migrations, associated with the spread of wheeled vehicles and early horse domestication, brought the Yamnaya into contact with European hunter-gatherers, resulting in a genetic admixture that ultimately led to the Corded Ware culture. This Corded Ware population is identified as the source of later migrations eastward, spreading Indo-European languages across Europe and Asia.
Hacker News users discussed the methodology and implications of the study. Several commenters questioned the reliability of inferring large-scale migrations and cultural shifts solely from genetic data, emphasizing the complexity of language evolution and its potential disconnect from genetic lineages. Some pointed to known instances of language replacement without significant population change, highlighting the limitations of using genetics as the sole indicator. Others debated the specific migration routes proposed in the study and alternative theories regarding the spread of Indo-European languages. The discussion also touched on the sensitivity surrounding research into ancient populations and the importance of respectful and accurate interpretation of findings. Some users expressed concern about potential misuse of such research to support nationalist narratives.
Analysis of ancient genomes from burials in Germany dating to the Iron Age revealed a surprising social structure. High-status graves consistently contained women who were not biologically related to lower-status individuals buried nearby, suggesting that women married into the community from elsewhere. Conversely, men buried in lower-status graves were genetically related to each other, indicating they remained in their birthplace. This pattern suggests a patrilocal society where social standing and inheritance were passed down through the female line, indicating women held a prominent role in community leadership and power.
HN commenters discuss the methodology and conclusions of the study regarding an Iron Age society seemingly centered on women. Several express skepticism about the claim, questioning whether the burial practices necessarily reflect social power structures, suggesting alternative explanations like differential preservation of remains or ritual significance. Some also point out the small sample size and potential biases. Others highlight the importance of challenging traditional historical narratives and the possibility of diverse social structures in the past, while acknowledging the need for further research to confirm these findings. The discussion touches on matrilineality versus matriarchy and the frequent conflation of the two. Some also note the sensationalized title and urge caution in interpreting the results.
Summary of Comments ( 4 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43673575
HN commenters discuss the logistical challenges of early seafaring, questioning the assumed simplicity of raft technology and navigation. Some highlight the difficulty of crossing open water without modern navigational tools, emphasizing the need for advanced knowledge of currents, winds, and stars. Others point out the physical demands of such journeys, suggesting the necessity of significant provisions and robust vessels, perhaps beyond simple rafts. The discussion also touches on the surprising distances covered and the implications for understanding early human migration and interaction. One commenter mentions the discovery of obsidian tools on the islands, further supporting the idea of intentional travel and trade networks. Finally, several users express fascination with the ingenuity and resilience of these early seafarers.
The Hacker News post titled "Hunter-gatherer sea voyages extended to remotest Mediterranean islands," linking to a Nature article, has generated several comments discussing the implications of the research.
Several commenters focus on the surprising maritime capabilities of early humans. One notes the impressive feat of navigating to these islands, considering the distances and lack of sophisticated technology. They find it remarkable that these hunter-gatherers possessed the navigational skills and boat-building technology necessary for such voyages, pushing back the timeline for advanced seafaring. Another commenter highlights the significance of this finding in understanding the spread of humans and cultural exchange during this period, suggesting it reveals a greater degree of interconnectedness than previously assumed. They also speculate about the motivations for these voyages, suggesting resource exploitation or exploration as possibilities.
Discussion also arises around the specific methods used in the research. One commenter inquires about the evidence used to determine seafaring activity, specifically asking about potential indicators like the presence of specific tools or resources on the islands that wouldn't be found natively. Another commenter discusses the challenges of definitively proving human presence and differentiating it from natural occurrences, highlighting the importance of rigorous analysis in archaeological studies.
Further comments touch on the broader context of the findings. One points to other instances of early seafaring discovered elsewhere in the world, suggesting this Mediterranean example is part of a larger pattern of human exploration and migration. Another commenter brings up the potential impact of rising sea levels on archaeological sites, emphasizing the importance of conducting this research before such sites become inaccessible. This commenter also raises the possibility of even earlier seafaring activities now submerged beneath the waves.
Finally, some comments offer more speculative or tangential thoughts. One user humorously contemplates the possibility of ancient shipwrecks filled with obsidian treasures waiting to be discovered. Another remarks on the romantic notion of these early explorers venturing into the unknown.
These comments demonstrate a general appreciation for the research and its implications for understanding human history, while also showcasing a healthy skepticism and curiosity about the methods and conclusions presented.