A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences challenges previous understandings of early human migration patterns.
Researchers led by Professor Corey Bradshaw of Flinders University argue that hunter-gatherers settled Cyprus thousands of years earlier than previously believed.
The study contradicts past assumptions that Mediterranean islands were too isolated and harsh for Paleolithic societies. Combining archaeological data, climate modelling, and demographic simulations, the researchers suggest a much earlier human presence on Cyprus.
Analysis of 10 key archaeological sites across the island indicates an initial human occupation between 14,257 and 13,182 years ago. This rapid settlement coincided with favourable climatic conditions, including rising temperatures, precipitation, and increased environmental resources.
Demographic modelling further suggests large-scale migrations, with groups of hundreds to thousands arriving in two to three waves within a century. Professor Bradshaw interprets this as evidence of “organised planning and the use of advanced watercraft.”
The study’s findings, according to Dr Theodora Moutsiou, challenge the notion of Mediterranean islands as inhospitable. She says that Cyprus and perhaps other Mediterranean islands would have been attractive destinations for palaeolithic hunter-gatherer societies.
“It has been argued that human dispersal to and settlement of Cyprus and other eastern Mediterranean islands is attributed to demographic pressures on the mainland after abrupt climatic change saw coastal areas inundated by post-glacial sea-level rise, forcing farming populations to move to new areas out of necessity rather than choice,” she says.
Dr Christian Reepmeyer highlights how previous interpretations stemmed from incomplete archaeological records.
“Our research, based on more archaeological evidence and advanced modelling techniques, changes that,” he says.
Professor Bradshaw says the new research results highlight a need to revisit questions of early human migration in the Mediterranean and test the validity of perceived early settlement dates in light of new technologies, field methods, and data.archaeological evidence. human migration, Cyprus, Mediterranean islands
