Early human migration from Africa

Approximately 60,000 to 70,000 years ago, a significant part of the Homo sapiens population left Africa. This event marked the beginning of migrations that shaped human evolution, but many uncertainties remain about what happened to these early humans.

Migrations and colonization of Eurasia

The first migrations out of Africa likely involved population contractions and extinctions. However, a later wave, between 70,000 and 60,000 years ago, led to the successful colonization of Eurasia by the ancestors of all non-African modern humans. A stable and widespread colonization of Eurasia occurred around 45,000 years ago, following multiple population expansions and technological advances in stone tool production.

Iranian Plateau as a key hub

Scientists have combined genetic evidence and paleoecological models to determine that the Iranian Plateau may have served as a hub for early humans during the initial colonization of Eurasia. Populations in this region carry ancestry that closely matches the population that settled outside of Africa. Paleoclimatic data also show that the area was suitable for habitation.

Geographic advantages of the Iranian Plateau

The Iranian Plateau, located east of the Zagros Mountains in modern Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, was surrounded by the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Mediterranean. This strategic location provided diverse resources and habitats, making it ideal for human development and a potential refuge for early humans.

Role of transitional environments in human migration

The Iranian Plateau was likely a home for our ancestors for about 20,000 years, offering a refuge and place of development before their dispersal across Eurasia. Other regions in Western and Central Asia also played crucial roles as passage points and refuges, helping early humans adapt to new environments. This research is published in the journal Nature Communications.