In 1996, archaeologists made a remarkable discovery in a cave burial near Europa Point, Gibraltar—a 7,500-year-old Neolithic skull. Named Calpeia, after the ancient name for Gibraltar, this skull belonged to a woman who lived around 5400 B.C., during the later stages of the Neolithic period.
What makes Calpeia’s remains so significant is not just their age, but the genetic insights they offer into early human migration and the spread of agriculture across the Mediterranean. DNA analysis revealed that Calpeia’s genome contained 90% Anatolian ancestry and 10% local Mesolithic hunter-gatherer genes. This suggests that she, or her recent ancestors, likely migrated across the Mediterranean by sea from what is now modern-day Turkey—a journey that highlights the remarkable maritime capabilities of early humans.
A Glimpse Into Prehistoric Migration
Calpeia’s remains represent the oldest known modern human female discovered in Gibraltar, and provide valuable evidence of the early movements of people in the Mediterranean basin. Her ancestry reflects the migration patterns that characterized the Neolithic Revolution—a period marked by the transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture. This shift not only changed the way humans lived but also sparked new patterns of migration as agricultural knowledge spread from the Near East across Europe.
By examining Calpeia’s genetic makeup, scientists are better able to understand how ancient human populations interacted and migrated. The Anatolian influence in her genome suggests that the spread of farming techniques and the movement of peoples were likely driven by maritime routes, rather than the overland paths traditionally thought to have been used.
Unlocking the Past
Calpeia’s discovery deepens our understanding of early human life in the Mediterranean and offers a unique glimpse into a world where agriculture was beginning to reshape society. Her remains are a window into the interconnectedness of ancient cultures, and her story is one of the many threads that help weave the complex tapestry of human history.
As the study of ancient genomes continues to evolve, discoveries like Calpeia’s remind us that the movements and interactions of our ancestors were far-reaching, shaping the world we live in today.
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