Recent genomic studies have provided insights into the origins and evolution of the Scythians, an ancient nomadic people who dominated the Eurasian steppe during the Iron Age. These analyses have identified multiple genetic sources contributing to the Scythian gene pool, highlighting the complex nature of their ancestry.
One significant finding indicates that the Scythians originated from at least two main sources. An eastern source likely emerged from populations in the Altai Mountains, spreading west and south during the Iron Age and admixing with local populations. This expansion connected various cultures, including the Saka, Tasmola, and Pazyryk, found in regions such as southern, central, and eastern Kazakhstan. Conversely, groups from the western Ural Mountains descended from a separate source, characteristic of early Sauromatian-Sarmatian cultures, and remained largely consistent through the westward spread of Sarmatian cultures into the Pontic-Caspian steppe.
The decline of Scythian cultures was associated with new genetic turnovers and admixture events. These changes intensified at the turn of the first millennium CE, concurrent with the decline and eventual disappearance of Scythian cultures in the Central Steppe. The influx of far eastern Eurasian ancestry during this period is plausibly linked to the spread of nomadic empires of the Eastern steppe in the first centuries CE, such as the Xiongnu and Xianbei confederations, as well as minor influxes from Iranian sources likely associated with the expansion of Persian-related civilizations from the south.
These findings underscore the dynamic and complex history of the Scythian populations, shaped by multiple migrations and interactions over time. The studies highlight the importance of genetic analyses in unraveling the intricate tapestry of human history and the movements of ancient peoples across vast regions.