The origins of farming in Europe have long been debated, with two conflicting theories receiving support. The first suggests that the transition from a largely hunter-gatherer (Mesolithic) to an agricultural (Neolithic) way of life was the result of migration of farmers from the Near East and Anatolia.

The second theory suggests that the change in practices was primarily down to ‘cultural diffusion’, as indigenous hunter-gatherers adopted farming practices from their neighbours. Previous studies of modern European genetic variation have produced conflicting results, but the available data on ancient DNA, which could resolve the question, is insufficient.

The new study, carried out by researchers at University College Cork and the University of Kent, and published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, compared craniometric data from 30 Mesolithic and Neolithic populations in Europe, the Near East and Anatolia. Such data have previously been shown to represent a reliable proxy for genetic data.

The results provide support for both theories. They suggest that migrating farmers were responsible for the initial transition to agriculture in central Europe, while in outlying regions, indigenous hunter-gatherers adopted farming methods through cultural diffusion.

April 2011