Australian and German scientists have collaborated in a study of ancient DNA to help reconstruct the first detailed history of modern Europeans.
Researchers had noted a clear genetic difference between the hunter-gatherers indigenous to Europe and the early farmers who appeared around 8000 years ago.
But that mix did not explain modern genetic diversity among Europeans.
Joint lead author of a paper published in the journal Science Wolfgang Haak, of Adelaide University's Centre for Ancient DNA, says they examined several hundred skeletons of between 3000 and 7000 years old to try to determine what changes might have led to today's genetic mix.
Dr Haak says the scientists have been able to track the expansion of some neolithic cultures like Bell Beaker and Corded Ware, which are named after the pottery they used.
And he tells Kerri Worthington they can even guess at the economic circumstances of particular cultures by combining genetic and archaeological information.
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