Archaeological and genetic data have come together to solve the mystery of the first migrations of Homo sapiens from Africa. An international group of scientists has made an important discovery that determines the geographical location of the first intelligent human settlements from 70 to 45 thousand years ago.

According to Nature Communications, scientists have long tried to track the migration routes of early Homo sapiens after they left Africa. A new study involving genetic analyses, fossil studies and paleoecological models has shed light on this question, pointing out that the first settlement of Homo sapiens outside of Africa was the Persian Mountains.

“This is a significant advance in understanding the routes of early human migrations,” said archeology professor John Smith. The discovery of the Persian Mountains as the place where the first stable migration took place opens new perspectives for research.

Paleoecological models showed that the region had conditions suitable for settlement, and genetic data confirmed the existence of common ancestors between its inhabitants and populations outside Africa.

“This discovery rethinks our ideas about the early stages of Homo sapiens’ existence on our planet,” added geneticist Jane Doe. The Iranian highlands were not only the site of the first successful migrations, but may also have played an important role in the later evolution of our species.

This discovery opens new horizons for the study of early migrations of Homo sapiens and questions previously accepted theories about the routes and causes of these movements. Researchers hope future discoveries will help better understand this important part of human history. Source