Populations in the Southern Caucasus have maintained remarkably consistent genetic ancestry for over 5,000 years, even through periods of significant cultural transformation. Recent research conducted by an international team from Germany, Georgia, Armenia, and Norway indicates that, although there were some genetic inputs from the Eurasian Steppe and Anatolia throughout the Bronze Age, the fundamental local gene pool remained stable across millennia.

A Landmark Archaeogenetic Study

Researchers at the Max Planck-Harvard Research Centre for the Archaeoscience of the Ancient Mediterranean examined ancient DNA from 230 individuals sourced from 50 archaeological sites in Georgia and Armenia. The research, co-led by Johannes Krause from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and Philipp Stockhammer from Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, reconstructs the genetic and cultural history of the region from the Early Bronze Age (approximately 3500 BCE) to the post-Migration Period (approximately 500 CE).

Mostly Constant Ancestry with Bronze Age Migrations

The results indicate that the Southern Caucasus maintained a profoundly entrenched native gene pool despite alterations in material culture.

“The persistence of a deeply rooted local gene pool through several shifts in material culture is exceptional,” says population geneticist Harald Ringbauer, who led the study at the Max Planck Institute. “This stands out compared to other regions across Western Eurasia, where many changes were linked to substantial movement of people.”

In the late Bronze Age, genetic evidence suggests migrations from Anatolia and the Eurasian Steppe. These movements resulted in cultural developments, novel burial practices, and economic transformations, including mobile pastoralism. Nevertheless, genetic intermingling subsequent to this period was frequently ephemeral or restricted to isolated instances.

Cranial Deformation: A Migratory Influence Turned Local Tradition

A striking discovery involved early Medieval individuals from the Iberian Kingdom (in present-day eastern Georgia) with intentionally deformed skulls—a practice historically linked to Central Eurasian Steppe nomads.

“We identified numerous individuals with deformed skulls who were genetically Central Asian, and we even found direct genealogical links to the Avars and Huns,” says lead author Eirini Skourtanioti. “However, our analyses revealed that most of these individuals were locals, not migrants. This is a compelling example of the cultural adoption of a practice that was likely disseminated in the area by nomadic groups.”

Liana Bitadze, head of the Anthropological Research Laboratory at Tbilisi State University, adds:

“Previously, we addressed this question through comparative morphometric analyses. Now, ancient DNA analysis has created a completely new line of evidence, helping us to reach more definitive answers.”

Urban Centers as Cultural and Genetic Hubs

The findings indicated that during Late Antiquity, urban centres and early Christian locations in eastern Georgia evolved into diversified population hubs.

“Historical sources mention how the Caucasus Mountains served both as a barrier and a corridor for migration during Late Antiquity. Our study shows that increased individual mobility was a key feature of the emerging urban centers in the region,” says co-lead author Xiaowen Jia.

A Crossroads of Civilizations

The Southern Caucasus has long stood at the intersection of Europe and Asia, serving as a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and genetic lineages. This study underscores its role as both a barrier and a conduit for human migration, setting a new benchmark for archaeogenetic research in historically underexplored regions.

Summary of Key Findings

• 5,000 years of stability in the local genetic profile despite cultural shifts.
• Migrations throughout the Bronze Age contributed genetic material from Anatolia and the Eurasian Steppe.
• Cranial deformity originated from migratory influences but was subsequently embraced locally.
• Urban centres during Late Antiquity emerged as focal points for cultural and genetic interchange.
• The Southern Caucasus is a pivotal area for comprehending the demographic history of Eurasia.

Original Publication
Journal: Cell
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.07.013
Article Title: The genetic history of the Southern Caucasus from the Bronze age to the Early Middle Ages: 5,000 years of genetic continuity despite high mobility
Article Publication Date: 7-Aug-2025

Original Source: https://www.mpg.de/25116448/0730-evan-population-history-of-the-southern-caucasus-region-150495-x