Widespread horse-based mobility arose around 2200 BCE in Eurasia

Area of Science:

• Archaeogenetics
• Ancient DNA Analysis
• Paleogenomics

Background:

• The timeline for horse domestication and integration into human societies as transport is debated.
• Understanding the genetic history of horses is crucial for reconstructing human migration and technological advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic origins and spread of the modern domestic horse lineage.
• To establish a more accurate timeline for the emergence of widespread horse-based mobility in Eurasia.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 475 ancient horse genomes from Eurasia.
• Comparative genomic analysis to identify domestication bottlenecks and lineage replacement.
• Radiocarbon dating and phylogenetic analysis to establish temporal and evolutionary relationships.

Main Results:

• The modern domestic horse lineage emerged around 2200 BCE, characterized by close-kin mating and shortened generation times.
• A severe domestication bottleneck occurred no earlier than 2700 BCE, preceding a rapid Eurasian expansion and replacement of local horse populations.
• Evidence of local horse husbandry with shortened generation times at Botai around 3500 BCE suggests earlier, distinct practices.

Conclusions:

• Widespread horse-based mobility arose around 2200 BCE, contradicting earlier migration narratives.
• The genetic data refutes the hypothesis of large horse herds accompanying European steppe migrations prior to 3000 BCE.
• Early horse husbandry practices existed before the rise of the dominant modern domestic horse lineage.