Chalcolithic Period Cultures: Tracing the Legacy of Chaff-Faced Ware

The Chalcolithic period, spanning approximately 4300–3500 BCE, was marked by significant cultural transitions and migrations that shaped the genetic and archaeological landscapes of Eurasia. One of the most defining elements of this era was the widespread presence of Chaff-Faced Ware (CFW), a distinct pottery style found from Cilicia to the Caspian Sea. The reach of this cultural horizon establishes a key connection between Minoan Y-DNA and Maykop Y-DNA, highlighting their shared ancestry.

The Spread of Chaff-Faced Ware Culture

During the Chalcolithic period, groups associated with Chaff-Faced Ware embarked on substantial migrations:

• Movement to the North: A subgroup from the South Caucasus established the Leila Tepe culture, which later contributed to the formation of the Maykop culture in the North Caucasus.
• Expansion to the West: Another group traveled from the Aintab-Urfa region, eventually settling in Crete and the Greek islands. This migration suggests an early presence of CFW-related communities in the Aegean.
• Possible Movement to Central Asia: Some evidence indicates that CFW-related groups may have continued migrating eastward, influencing cultural and genetic developments in Central Asia.

Genetic Connections: Shared Haplotypes

The presence of similar haplotypes in different geographic regions suggests a common ancestral population. Haplogroups T1a3 and L2 have been identified in both Maykop and Greece, reinforcing the genetic link between these two cultures. As more DNA samples from the Maykop culture are analyzed, additional common haplotypes will likely be identified, further cementing the relationship.

Ancient DNA and Archaeological Modeling

Ancient DNA (aDNA) from the CFW period includes samples from Areni (Armenia) and Azerbaijan’s Late Chalcolithic sites. These samples provide valuable data for modeling the genetic composition of the Maykop culture using advanced computational tools like qpAdm. These models shed light on how various populations contributed to Maykop’s formation and demographic history.

The Sioni-Adablur Culture: A Different Tradition

Running parallel to the CFW tradition, the Sioni-Adablur culture (5300–4300/4000 BCE) exhibited distinct ceramic techniques. Unlike Chaff-Faced Ware, Sioni-Adablur pottery incorporated grit as a tempering material. However, no ancient DNA has been recovered from this cultural phase, leaving some aspects of its population genetics speculative.

Conclusion

The Chalcolithic period laid the groundwork for profound cultural and genetic developments across Eurasia. The Chaff-Faced Ware tradition serves as a crucial link between diverse regions and populations, shaping the heritage of both Maykop and Minoan civilizations. As new archaeological and genetic evidence emerges, further insights into these ancient migrations and connections will continue to enrich our understanding of prehistory.

Here are some key terms from the article and their meanings:

• Chalcolithic Period: Also known as the Copper Age, this era (approximately 4300–3500 BCE) was a transitional period between the Neolithic (Stone Age) and the Bronze Age, characterized by the early use of copper tools.
• Chaff-Faced Ware (CFW): A type of pottery used across a wide region from Cilicia to the Caspian Sea. It was tempered with chaff (plant fibers), making it lightweight and porous. This pottery tradition connects several ancient cultures.
• Maykop Culture: A Bronze Age culture (circa 3700–3000 BCE) in the North Caucasus, known for its advanced metallurgy, elaborate burial mounds, and distinctive pottery. It is believed to have received cultural influences from earlier Chalcolithic groups.
• Leila Tepe Culture: An archaeological culture from the South Caucasus (late 4th millennium BCE) that shares characteristics with both the earlier Chaff-Faced Ware tradition and the later Maykop culture.
• Haplotypes: Genetic markers that define shared ancestry in human populations. In this context, haplogroups T1a3 and L2 are linked to both the Maykop culture and ancient Greek populations, suggesting a common genetic origin.
• qpAdm Models: A computational tool used in population genetics to model ancestry. Researchers use qpAdm to analyze ancient DNA and determine the genetic contributions of different populations to later cultures.
• Sioni-Adablur Culture: A distinct Chalcolithic culture (5300–4300/4000 BCE) in the Caucasus, differing from Chaff-Faced Ware by using grit tempering in its pottery instead of plant fibers.
• Areni Cave: A significant archaeological site in Armenia, known for preserving artifacts and ancient DNA from the Chalcolithic period, including some of the oldest known winemaking evidence.

Artatsolum

Based on status: Aram Palyan Ethnogenesis of Armenians / Этногенез армян