Around 4,200 years ago, a specific lineage of horses quickly spread across Eurasia, indicating the beginning of humans spreading domesticated horses worldwide. This discovery was made through the analysis of ancient horse genomes, shedding light on the Bronze Age Sintashta people’s role in horse domestication.
According to Pablo Librado, an evolutionary biologist, ancient DNA samples from archaeological sites dating back to 50,000 years ago showed genetic diversity among different horse lineages. However, a significant shift occurred around 4,200 years ago when a specific lineage from the Pontic-Caspian Steppe region became dominant, replacing other lineages rapidly.
Researchers believe that the Sintashta people played a crucial role in domesticating horses and expanding their territory using these animals. Although evidence of horse consumption and ridership dates back to around 5,500 and 5,000 years ago, respectively, it was the Sintashta who spread their domesticated horses across Eurasia.
The study also highlights the rapid genetic changes in horses compared to other domesticated animals like dogs, pigs, cattle, goats, and sheep. Laurent Frantz, a genetics researcher, noted that humans adapted the horse genome quickly, possibly due to their experience with handling animals, emphasizing the significant role of horses in human societies.
This research not only provides insights into the ancient horse lineage but also underscores the close relationship between humans and horses throughout history. The findings contribute to our understanding of how horse domestication influenced human advancement and shaped the course of human history.