Hunter-gatherers in Belgium/Netherlands survived until 2500 BCE, women transmitted farming knowledge. University of Huddersfield study led by Dr. David Reich (Harvard) published in Nature Analyzed complete human genomes from Belgium, Germany, Netherlands between 8,500-1,700 BCE Hunter-gatherers in riverine wetlands and coastal areas survived thousands of years longer than elsewhere in Europe

A study reveals hunter-gatherers thrived in Belgium and Netherlands until around 2500 BCE—far longer than elsewhere in Europe. Analyzing genomes from 8,500-1,700 BCE, researchers found women brought farming knowledge into hunter-gatherer communities. Researchers call the area 'a water world where time stood still' thanks to rich riverine and coastal resources. 🌍

Key facts:

- Study conducted by researchers including Harvard collaboration, published in a peer-reviewed journal

- Analyzed complete human genomes from Belgium, Netherlands, and northwest Germany between 8,500-1,700 BCE

- Hunter-gatherers in riverine wetlands and coastal areas survived thousands of years longer than elsewhere in Europe

- Women marrying into hunter-gatherer communities brought farming expertise and genes

- Hunter-gatherer ancestry persisted until around 2500 BCE in the Rhine-Meuse region

Key Facts

  • University of Huddersfield study led by Dr. David Reich (Harvard) published in Nature
  • Analyzed complete human genomes from Belgium, Germany, Netherlands between 8,500-1,700 BCE
  • Hunter-gatherers in riverine wetlands and coastal areas survived thousands of years longer than elsewhere in Europe
  • Women marrying into hunter-gatherer communities brought farming expertise and genes
  • High levels of hunter-gatherer ancestry persisted until end of Neolithic around 2,500 BCE
  • Rich natural resources allowed selective embrace of farming while preserving hunter-gatherer practices
  • Professor John Stewart (Bournemouth) described the area as 'a water world where time stood still'
  • Dr. Maria Pala noted findings from heartland of Europe make results even more striking

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