The North Pontic region, which spans much of modern-day Ukraine, has been a focal point of human migration and cultural exchange for millennia. Serving as a bridge between the Eurasian Steppe and Central Europe, the area has seen waves of migration, trade, and population shifts. Recently, a groundbreaking study published in Science Advances delved deep into the ancient genetic makeup of the region, providing a remarkable insight into the complex, multi-faceted history of human populations in the area.
The study, led by Lehti Saag, a researcher at the University of Tartu Institute of Genomics (UT IG), alongside prominent scholars such as Professor Mark Thomas from University College London (UCL) and Pontus Skoglund from the Francis Crick Institute, explores the genetic diversity within the North Pontic region over a span of 3,500 years, extending up to about 500 years ago. Through the analysis of ancient human remains, the research uncovers a rich tapestry of genetic connections and migrations that significantly shaped the populations of Ukraine and, by extension, broader European and Asian histories.
At the conclusion of the Bronze Age, around 1,200 BCE, the genetic landscape of the North Pontic region closely resembled that of other European populations. This mixture consisted of three main ancestral components: European hunter-gatherers, Anatolian early farmers, and Steppe pastoralists. These genetic groups are thought to have mingled in a variety of ways over time, laying the foundation for the modern genetic makeup of the region. These ancestral components, brought by various migratory waves, formed the core genetic structure of the area, which continued to persist through the centuries.
However, the genetic profile of the region took an intriguing turn with the onset of the Early Iron Age. This era saw the arrival of Eastern nomadic groups from the vast Eurasian Steppe, whose presence in the North Pontic area became a regular occurrence. As these groups moved westward, their genetic signature began to leave a lasting impact on the local population. Initially, the nomads’ genetic composition was closely related to Steppe populations, though with a gradual admixture of local ancestry. Over time, however, certain groups from the East began to show significant genetic shifts, incorporating high degrees of East Asian ancestry, often with minimal integration of the local genetic pool.
This period, stretching through the Early Iron Age to the Middle Ages, reflects a dynamic process of population replacement, admixture, and continual interaction between distinct cultural and genetic groups. The study reveals that the genetic profile of individuals from the North Pontic region was far from homogeneous. Some of the nomadic groups that arrived during this period exhibited clear genetic markers indicative of a direct connection to East Asia. These groups often formed a more isolated genetic lineage compared to the general population, whose ancestry remained primarily tied to European regions. The complexity of these interactions contributes to the high genetic heterogeneity observed in the region today, a diversity that often surprises researchers considering the seemingly uniform cultural and social practices of ancient populations.
The findings from the study highlight a phenomenon called “genetic palimpsest,” where the genetic traces of past populations remain embedded within the modern-day populations of the area. As different groups moved through the region, they left their genetic mark, resulting in populations with highly variable genetic profiles, even in areas where culture and language appeared to be relatively stable. At times, these genetic mixes occurred within the same geographical area, and even at the same archaeological sites. This genetic layering means that individuals buried at the same site, or associated with the same archaeological culture, could have strikingly different genetic backgrounds, often reflecting the complex history of migration, settlement, and intermarriage that defined the region for centuries.
The study also sheds light on the resilience of Ukrainian researchers and archaeologists, whose work has continued despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. Second author Olga Utevska, a current MSCA4Ukraine fellow at UT IG, exemplifies the dedication and perseverance of the Ukrainian scientific community. The research would not have been possible without the continued efforts of archaeologists and researchers still conducting excavations across Ukraine, often under challenging circumstances. Their commitment to preserving the archaeological record and continuing scientific inquiry serves as a testament to the importance of understanding the complex history of human populations in this crucial part of the world.
This study of ancient genomes provides a detailed narrative of human migration, mixing, and genetic evolution that goes beyond simple models of migration. The North Pontic region’s rich history of genetic heterogeneity highlights the profound impact that migration and population movements had on shaping modern human populations. The research also reinforces the idea that populations are often much more genetically diverse than what is typically reflected in modern national or cultural boundaries. The genetic history of Ukraine, shaped by the flow of peoples from the east, the west, and beyond, is a story of constant interaction, adaptation, and transformation.
The findings of this study are a valuable addition to our understanding of how migration patterns have influenced human genetics over time, providing a more nuanced and complex view of the history of populations in Eastern Europe. The rich genetic diversity discovered in the North Pontic region offers a glimpse into the past and underscores the importance of using genetic data to unravel the intricate web of human history that shaped our world today.
Through this remarkable research, the study team has also added to our broader understanding of the way ancient migrations played a pivotal role in shaping the genetic makeup of Europe and Asia. As the ancient human remains analyzed in this study were uncovered in Ukraine, the work holds particular significance for the Ukrainian scientific community, offering critical insights into the region’s historical and genetic legacy. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, science continues to uncover the deep connections between peoples and places, helping to piece together the complex puzzle of human history.
More information: Lehti Saag et al, North Pontic crossroads: Mobility in Ukraine from the Bronze Age to the early modern period, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adr0695