A man buried in Russia in the Late Neolithic era

The Late Neolithic Ust-Ida culture, located in what is now southern Siberia near the Angara River, is part of the broader Circum-Pontic Neolithic complex. This era, dating from roughly 4000 to 3000 BCE, represents a time of significant cultural and technological transformation as human societies transitioned from nomadic lifestyles to more settled agricultural communities.
Geography and Environment
The Ust-Ida culture was situated in a region characterized by its diverse ecological zones, including taiga forests, riverine environments, and steppe areas. This geographical diversity played a crucial role in shaping the lifestyle and economy of the Ust-Ida people, providing an abundance of natural resources that supported both hunting-gathering and nascent agricultural practices.
Economy and Subsistence
The Ust-Ida culture exhibited a mixed subsistence strategy, combining hunting, fishing, and gathering with early forms of agriculture. The proximity to rivers like the Angara provided ample opportunities for fishing, which was a significant component of their diet. Archaeological evidence suggests that they grew cereals and legumes, indicating the establishment of rudimentary agricultural practices. Domestication of animals, particularly cattle, sheep, and goats, also played a key role in their subsistence economy.
Technology and Craftsmanship
This period saw advancements in tool technology and craft production. The Ust-Ida people were skilled in producing stone tools, including polished axes and adzes, which were essential for forest clearance and woodworking. Pottery from this era exhibits a variety of forms and decorations, reflecting both functional and ceremonial uses. The pottery was often decorated with incised geometric patterns, highlighting a sophisticated aesthetic sense.
Architecture and Settlement
Settlements during the Late Neolithic in the Ust-Ida region were characterized by semi-permanent structures, often located near water sources. These structures were typically simple dwellings built from wood and other locally available materials. The layout of these settlements suggests an increasing tendency toward communal living and cooperation, a reflection of evolving social structures.
Social Structure and Organization
The social organization of the Ust-Ida culture is inferred from burial practices and settlement patterns. There is evidence of social stratification, as seen in the differential treatment of individuals in burials. Some graves contained more elaborate goods, indicating a growing complexity in social hierarchy. This era witnessed the beginning of more defined social roles and possibly the emergence of leadership positions within communities.
Art and Symbolism
Artistic expression in the Ust-Ida culture is evidenced by decorative motifs on pottery, personal adornments, and figurines. These artifacts not only served functional purposes but also likely held symbolic meaning, reflecting religious or spiritual beliefs. The presence of zoomorphic and anthropomorphic figurines suggests that the Ust-Ida people had a rich spiritual life, potentially involving rituals centered around fertility and nature.
Interaction and Exchange
The Ust-Ida culture was not isolated; it engaged in interactions with neighboring cultures, as indicated by the exchange of goods and technology. This period is marked by increasing regional interactions within the Circum-Pontic Neolithic area, facilitated by trade networks that allowed for the movement of materials such as flint, jade, and copper.
Conclusion
In summary, the Late Neolithic Ust-Ida culture represents a period of significant cultural development marked by the transition to agriculture, advancements in technology and craft, and complex social structures. The artifacts and archaeological evidence from this era provide a glimpse into the lives of these early communities, highlighting their adaptability and innovation in the face of changing environmental and social conditions. Understanding the Ust-Ida culture offers valuable insights into the broader patterns of human development during the Neolithic period in the Circum-Pontic region.
Sample ID | Culture/Period | Date | Location | Action |
---|---|---|---|---|
Altais1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Altais2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Bashkirs2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Bashkirs1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Bashkirs3 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Buryats1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Buryats2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Dungan1 | Modern Kyrgyzstan | 2000 CE | , Kyrgyzstan | View |
Dungan2 | Modern Kyrgyzstan | 2000 CE | , Kyrgyzstan | View |
Hazaras1 | Modern Pakistan | 2000 CE | , Pakistan | View |
Hazaras2 | Modern Pakistan | 2000 CE | , Pakistan | View |
Hazaras3 | Modern Pakistan | 2000 CE | , Pakistan | View |
Kalmyks1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Kalmyks2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Karakalpaks1 | Modern Uzbekistan | 2000 CE | , Uzbekistan | View |
Karakalpaks2 | Modern Uzbekistan | 2000 CE | , Uzbekistan | View |
Karakalpaks3 | Modern Uzbekistan | 2000 CE | , Uzbekistan | View |
Kazakhs2 | Modern Kazakhstan | 2000 CE | , Kazakhstan | View |
Kazakhs3 | Modern Kazakhstan | 2000 CE | , Kazakhstan | View |
Kazkahs1 | Modern Kazakhstan | 2000 CE | , Kazakhstan | View |
Kyrgyz1 | Modern Kyrgyzstan | 2000 CE | , Kyrgyzstan | View |
Kyrgyz2 | Modern Kyrgyzstan | 2000 CE | , Kyrgyzstan | View |
Tajiks2 | Modern Tajikistan | 2000 CE | , Tajikistan | View |
Tajiks1 | Modern Tajikistan | 2000 CE | , Tajikistan | View |
Tajiks3 | Modern Tajikistan | 2000 CE | , Tajikistan | View |
IrtyshBarabinskTatars1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
IrtyshBarabinskTatars2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
TomskTatars1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
TomskTatars2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
VolgaTatars1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
VolgaTatars2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Teleuts1 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Teleuts2 | Modern Russia | 2000 CE | , Russia | View |
Turkmens1 | Modern Turkmenistan | 2000 CE | , Turkmenistan | View |
Turkmens2 | Modern Turkmenistan | 2000 CE | , Turkmenistan | View |
Uyghurs1 | Modern China | 2000 CE | , China | View |
Uyghurs2 | Modern China | 2000 CE | , China | View |
Uyghurs3 | Modern China | 2000 CE | , China | View |
Uzbeks1 | Modern Uzbekistan | 2000 CE | , Uzbekistan | View |
Uzbeks2 | Modern Uzbekistan | 2000 CE | , Uzbekistan | View |
Uzbeks3 | Modern Uzbekistan | 2000 CE | , Uzbekistan | View |
BOT14 | Eneolithic Kazakhstan | 3517 BCE | Botai, Kazakhstan | View |
DA249 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5987 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
I3427 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2459 BCE | Okunev Ulus, Russia | View |
DA246 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5884 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
RISE674 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2284 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
DA253 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5371 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
DA247 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5837 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
I8743 | Hunter-Gatherer Sidelkino, Russia | 9649 BCE | Sidelkino, Russia | View |
DA252 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5473 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
DA248 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5762 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
DA245 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 6069 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
RISE683 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2138 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View |
DA342 | Late Neolithic Ust-Ida, Russia | 3793 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View |
RISE680 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View |
RISE685 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View |
DA341 | Eneolithic Lokomotiv, Russia | 5714 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View |
DA337 | Early Bronze Age Shamanka, Russia | 2461 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
DA362 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5362 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
RISE672 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
DA345 | Late Neolithic Ust-Ida, Russia | 3637 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View |
RISE516 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2201 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
DA250 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5524 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
DA358 | Early Bronze Age Kurma, Russia | 2883 BCE | Kurma XI, Russia | View |
RISE718 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2573 BCE | Sayan Mountain. Minusinskaya Intermountain Basin. Syda 5, Russia | View |
RISE670 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2191 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
DA359 | Eneolithic Lokomotiv, Russia | 5713 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View |
DA336 | Early Bronze Age Shamanka, Russia | 2500 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
RISE719 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Sayan Mountain. Minusinskaya Intermountain Basin. Syda 5, Russia | View |
RISE515 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2343 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
DA251 | Eneolithic Shamanka, Russia | 5471 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
RISE684 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2463 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View |
RISE675 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2857 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View |
DA340 | Eneolithic Lokomotiv, Russia | 5217 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View |
DA334 | Early Bronze Age Shamanka, Russia | 2284 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
RISE681 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View |
DA335 | Early Bronze Age Shamanka, Russia | 2500 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
I3426 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2291 BCE | Okunev Ulus, Russia | View |
DA338 | Early Bronze Age Shamanka, Russia | 2500 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
DA357 | Eneolithic Lokomotiv, Russia | 5981 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View |
DA355 | Late Neolithic Ust-Ida, Russia | 3644 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View |
RISE671 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
DA339 | Early Bronze Age Shamanka, Russia | 2200 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View |
DA360 | Early Bronze Age Kurma, Russia | 2878 BCE | Kurma XI, Russia | View |
RISE677 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2659 BCE | Uybat III, Russia | View |
RISE667 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
DA344 | Late Neolithic Ust-Ida, Russia | 3945 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View |
DA354 | Early Bronze Age Kurma, Russia | 2856 BCE | Kurma XI, Russia | View |
RISE673 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View |
BOT15 | Eneolithic Kazakhstan | 3345 BCE | Botai, Kazakhstan | View |
EBA1 | Early Middle Bronze Age Kazakhstan | 2286 BCE | Gregorievka 2, Kazakhstan | View |
EBA2 | Early Middle Bronze Age Kazakhstan | 2622 BCE | Sjolpan 4, Kazakhstan | View |
Yamnaya | Early Bronze Age Yamnaya Culture, Kazakhstan | 3016 BCE | Karagash, Kazakhstan | View |
MA2205 | Assyrian Colony Period in Turkey | 2000 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2206 | Assyrian Colony Period in Turkey | 2000 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2208 | Assyrian Colony Period in Turkey | 2000 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2213 | Early Bronze Age II Turkey | 2750 BCE | Ovaören, Turkey | View |
MA2210 | Early Bronze Age II Turkey | 2750 BCE | Ovaören, Turkey | View |
MA2212 | Early Bronze Age II Turkey | 2750 BCE | Ovaören, Turkey | View |
MA2198 | Hellenistic Turkey | 335 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2197 | Hellenistic Turkey | 335 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2200 | Old Hittite Period Turkey | 1750 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2203 | Old Hittite Period Turkey | 1750 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2195 | Ottoman Turkey | 1400 CE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
MA2196 | Ottoman Turkey | 1400 CE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View |
DA379 | Chalcolithic Namazga, Turkmenistan | 3482 BCE | Kara-Depe, Turkmenistan | View |
DA383 | Chalcolithic Namazga, Turkmenistan | 3400 BCE | Takhirbai 3, Turkmenistan | View |
DA381 | Chalcolithic Namazga, Turkmenistan | 3367 BCE | Geoksyur, Turkmenistan | View |
DA380 | Chalcolithic Namazga, Turkmenistan | 3366 BCE | Kara-Depe, Turkmenistan | View |
DA382 | Iron Age Turkmenistan | 916 BCE | Takhirbai 3, Turkmenistan | View |
DA379 | 3482 BCE | Kara-Depe, Turkmenistan | View | |
DA380 | 3366 BCE | Kara-Depe, Turkmenistan | View | |
DA381 | 3367 BCE | Geoksyur, Turkmenistan | View | |
DA382 | 916 BCE | Takhirbai 3, Turkmenistan | View | |
DA383 | 3400 BCE | Takhirbai 3, Turkmenistan | View | |
MA2195 | 1400 CE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2196 | 1400 CE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2197 | 335 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2198 | 335 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2200 | 1750 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2203 | 1750 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2205 | 2000 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2206 | 2000 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2208 | 2000 BCE | Kalehöyük, Turkey | View | |
MA2210 | 2750 BCE | Ovaören, Turkey | View | |
MA2212 | 2750 BCE | Ovaören, Turkey | View | |
MA2213 | 2750 BCE | Ovaören, Turkey | View | |
I3426 | 2291 BCE | Okunev Ulus, Russia | View | |
I3427 | 2459 BCE | Okunev Ulus, Russia | View | |
I8743 | 9649 BCE | Sidelkino, Russia | View | |
Yamnaya | 3016 BCE | Karagash, Kazakhstan | View | |
BOT14 | 3517 BCE | Botai, Kazakhstan | View | |
BOT15 | 3345 BCE | Botai, Kazakhstan | View | |
BOT2016 | 3516 BCE | Botai, Kazakhstan | View | |
DA245 | 6069 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA246 | 5884 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA247 | 5837 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA248 | 5762 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA249 | 5987 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA250 | 5524 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA251 | 5471 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA252 | 5473 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA253 | 5371 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA334 | 2284 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA335 | 2500 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA336 | 2500 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA337 | 2461 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA338 | 2500 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA339 | 2200 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
DA340 | 5217 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View | |
DA341 | 5714 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View | |
DA342 | 3793 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View | |
DA344 | 3945 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View | |
DA345 | 3637 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View | |
DA354 | 2856 BCE | Kurma XI, Russia | View | |
DA355 | 3644 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View | |
DA357 | 5981 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View | |
DA358 | 2883 BCE | Kurma XI, Russia | View | |
DA359 | 5713 BCE | Lokomotiv, Russia | View | |
DA360 | 2878 BCE | Kurma XI, Russia | View | |
DA362 | 5362 BCE | Shamanka II, Russia | View | |
EBA1 | 2286 BCE | Gregorievka 2, Kazakhstan | View | |
EBA2 | 2622 BCE | Sjolpan 4, Kazakhstan | View | |
RISE515 | 2343 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE516 | 2201 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE667 | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE670 | 2191 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE671 | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE672 | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE673 | 2900 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE674 | 2284 BCE | Verkhni Askiz, Russia | View | |
RISE675 | 2857 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View | |
RISE677 | 2659 BCE | Uybat III, Russia | View | |
RISE680 | 2900 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View | |
RISE681 | 2900 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View | |
RISE683 | 2138 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View | |
RISE684 | 2463 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View | |
RISE685 | 2900 BCE | Khakassia. Ust'-Abakan. Uybat V, Russia | View | |
RISE718 | 2573 BCE | Sayan Mountain. Minusinskaya Intermountain Basin. Syda 5, Russia | View | |
RISE719 | 2900 BCE | Sayan Mountain. Minusinskaya Intermountain Basin. Syda 5, Russia | View | |
RISE662 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2291 BCE | Okunev-Ulus (Republic of Khakassia, Ust-Abakansky District, Okunev Ulus), Russia | View |
RISE664 | Bronze Age Okunevo Culture, Russia | 2459 BCE | Okunev-Ulus (Republic of Khakassia, Ust-Abakansky District, Okunev Ulus), Russia | View |
Sidelkino | Hunter-Gatherer Sidelkino, Russia | 9649 BCE | Sidelkino-Mayak (Samara Oblast, Chelno-Vershinskiy District, Sidel'kino), Russia | View |
Sample ID | Culture/Period | Date | Location | Action |
---|---|---|---|---|
DA342 | Late Neolithic Ust-Ida, Russia | 3793 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View |
DA345 | Late Neolithic Ust-Ida, Russia | 3637 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View |
DA355 | Late Neolithic Ust-Ida, Russia | 3644 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View |
DA344 | Late Neolithic Ust-Ida, Russia | 3945 BCE | Ust'-Ida, Russia | View |
Ancient genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (DA345) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles ancient populations from different geographic regions.
Modern genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (DA345) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles modern populations from different geographic regions.
These results complement the ancient ancestry components shown in the previous section, offering a different perspective on the individual's genetic profile by comparing it with modern reference populations rather than prehistoric ancestral groups.
The G25 coordinates for the sample DA345 are as follows. You can analyze its admixture using G25 Studio.
DA345,0.0577869,-0.26374274,0.08713592,0.03044488,-0.06096618,-0.02472558,-0.02229878,-0.02082242,0.00545512,-0.00797546,0.02236466,-0.00585794,0.01183094,-0.0295547,-0.02135276,-0.0117404,-0.00356724,0.00713628,0.01753284,0.0066359,0.01065824,-0.0087653,0.0197025,0.005762,0.01310626
The first horse herders and the impact of early Bronze Age steppe expansions into Asia
The Yamnaya expansions from the western steppe into Europe and Asia during the Early Bronze Age (~3000 BCE) are believed to have brought with them Indo-European languages and possibly horse husbandry. We analyzed 74 ancient whole-genome sequences from across Inner Asia and Anatolia and show that the Botai people associated with the earliest horse husbandry derived from a hunter-gatherer population deeply diverged from the Yamnaya. Our results also suggest distinct migrations bringing West Eurasian ancestry into South Asia before and after, but not at the time of, Yamnaya culture. We find no evidence of steppe ancestry in Bronze Age Anatolia from when Indo-European languages are attested there. Thus, in contrast to Europe, Early Bronze Age Yamnaya-related migrations had limited direct genetic impact in Asia.