New research has rewritten the history of European pigmentation. A DNA study found that dark skin was widespread in Europe for thousands of years. Scientists at the University of Ferrara in Italy analyzed 348 ancient genomes. These individuals lived between 45,000 and 1,700 years ago. The findings challenge long-held beliefs about how and when lighter skin appeared among Europeans.
The study used a probabilistic genotype likelihood method. This advanced technique reconstructed skin, eye, and hair color from low-coverage ancient DNA.
KEY FINDINGS
- Paleolithic Era (45,000–13,000 years ago): Nearly all early Europeans had dark skin. Only one genome showed an intermediate tone.
- Mesolithic Era (14,000–4,000 years ago): Light eye color became more frequent in Northern and Western Europe. Yet, skin and hair remained dark.
- Neolithic Era (10,000–4,000 years ago): Farmers from Anatolia migrated into Europe. Lighter skin traits increased, but dark skin persisted in Southern and Eastern Europe.
- Copper & Bronze Ages (7,000–3,000 years ago): Light skin became more common, but dark pigmentation was still prevalent.
- Iron Age (3,000–1,700 years ago): Light skin was widespread in Northern and Central Europe. Darker skin tones remained common in regions like Italy, Spain, and Russia.
MIGRATION PLAYED A BIGGER ROLE THAN NATURAL SELECTION
Pigmentation changes were not solely due to adaptation. Migration and genetic mixing shaped the spread of light skin. The research highlights key genetic variants like SLC24A5 and TYR, linked to lighter pigmentation.
Earlier theories suggested light skin evolved quickly due to lower ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Scientists believed it provided an advantage for vitamin D production. Yet, this study shows the transition took thousands of years.
LIGHT EYES AND RED HAIR EMERGED AT DIFFERENT TIMES
The study also revealed shifts in eye and hair color over time among Europeans. Light eyes first appeared in Mesolithic Europe, though they remained rare. Red hair emerged in Turkey during the Neolithic period.
These findings suggest pigmentation changes did not follow a simple pattern. Instead, traits evolved through migration, environmental adaptation, and genetic drift.
A NEW UNDERSTANDING OF EUROPEAN ANCESTRY
This research reshapes our view of human evolution. It proves early Europeans were far more diverse than once believed. Light skin did not dominate until much later in history.
Ancient DNA continues to provide groundbreaking insights into human history. As more genetic discoveries emerge, scientists may uncover even deeper details about our past.
