DNA evidence has shed light on an unexpected journey taken by ancient European hunter-gatherers across the Mediterranean to North Africa. This remarkable discovery reveals that these early humans may have made this voyage approximately 8,500 years ago, contributing to the genetic makeup of populations in what is now Tunisia and northeastern Algeria.
The Stone Age, marked by the use of stone tools, began roughly 3 million years ago, long before modern humans existed. It concluded about 5,000 years ago in parts of North Africa and Europe. During this period, humans primarily lived as hunter-gatherers. These early humans gradually transitioned to farming and more complex societies during the Neolithic period, which occurred between approximately 10,000 and 2,000 B.C.
Research findings suggest that ancient hunter-gatherers from Europe embarked on a seafaring journey across the Mediterranean. DNA collected from the remains of Stone Age individuals in the eastern Maghreb region indicates a partial descent from these European ancestors. Among the significant discoveries was an individual from a Tunisian site named Djebba, who exhibited approximately 6% European hunter-gatherer ancestry.
"Several decades ago, some biological anthropologists proposed that European and North African hunter-gatherers had made contact, based on morphological analyses of skeletal traits," said Ron Pinhasi, highlighting the longstanding interest in potential interactions between these regions.
Contrary to expectations of significant European farmer ancestry, the DNA of ancient humans in the eastern Maghreb region showed minimal influence from European farmers. Instead, there was a surprising exception with traces of earlier European hunter-gatherer influences. This genetic evidence points to a connection between early populations of Europe and North Africa.
The eastern Maghreb region demonstrated considerable genetic and cultural resilience compared to its western counterpart. Despite this resilience, farming was not fully adopted in the eastern Maghreb until around 1000 B.C., indicating a delayed transition to agricultural practices.
"There's not been much of a North African story," noted David Reich, emphasizing the significance of uncovering these ancient connections.
The findings provide a deeper understanding of ancient human migrations and interactions across the Mediterranean. The presence of European hunter-gatherer DNA in North African populations offers valuable insights into the genetic diversity and historical relationships between early human societies.
