Scientists trace origin of the modern horse to a 4,000-year lineage

A new study published in Nature reveals that around 4,200 years ago, a specific horse lineage became dominant across Eurasia, indicating the period when humans began extensively spreading domesticated horses. This lineage, which emerged in the Pontic-Caspian Steppe, had a genetic mutation that likely made it easier to ride. The research, led by Pablo Librado and Ludovic Orlando, analyzed 475 ancient horse genomes and found a significant shift in genetic diversity at that time, with the Sintashta people being key in this spread. They had domesticated their local horses, facilitating their territorial expansion. Earlier evidence of horse domestication includes horse milk consumption 5,500 years ago and horse riding around 5,000 years ago. This rapid genetic change in horses highlights their unique importance in human history.

Source – CGTN