The Persian Plateau: A Crucial Hub for Early Human Migration Out of Africa

Exploring Genetic, Palaeoecological, and Archaeological Insights

Recent interdisciplinary research¹, blending genetic, palaeoecological, and archaeological analyses, has unearthed compelling evidence positioning the Persian Plateau as a pivotal geographic nexus in the early dispersion of Homo sapiens from Africa. This groundbreaking revelation challenges existing paradigms and offers fresh perspectives on the intricate pathways of human migration into Eurasia.

Pebdeh Cave located in the southern Zagros Mountains. Pebdeh was occupied by hunter-gatherers as early as 42,000 years ago. Photo: Mohammad Javad Shoaee