The earliest islanders of the eastern Adriatic

Area of Science:

• Archaeology
• Genetics
• Anthropology

Background:

• The Neolithic transition in the Mediterranean involved complex regional variations.
• Early Holocene sea-level rise displaced hunter-gatherer populations in the North Adriatic.
• Island chains may have facilitated early maritime dispersal.

Observation:

• Farming arrived in the Eastern Adriatic around 6000 B.C.
• Evidence suggests population movement from southern Italy.
• Island routes appear to have been utilized for migration.

Findings:

• The Eastern Adriatic islands likely served as critical stepping stones for seaborne farmers.
• The spread of agriculture involved potential migration from the Italian peninsula.
• The interaction dynamics between incoming farmers and indigenous hunter-gatherers are not fully understood.

Implications:

• Understanding island colonization patterns is key to reconstructing early agricultural diffusion.
• Further research is needed to clarify the precise nature of cultural exchange and population dynamics.
• The study highlights the importance of island archipelagos in human dispersal and innovation.