Genetic history of Europe

Okay kiddo, let's learn about the genetic history of Europe. Just like how we inherit traits from our parents, genes are passed down from one generation to the next. Millions of years ago, humans lived in Africa, and as we migrated to different regions, our genes changed over time.

Around 45,000 years ago, the first modern humans arrived in Europe from Africa. These people were called "Hunter-gatherers," and they roamed the land in search of food. They had light skin and blue eyes, and scientists have found their DNA in early human skulls.

Then, about 9,000 years ago, something amazing happened. People started to settle down, grow crops, and raise animals. This was called the "Neolithic Revolution," and it changed the way humans lived forever. Farmers started to appear in Europe, and they began to mix with the hunter-gatherers.

Next, around 4,500 years ago, there was another migration to Europe. People called "Steppe herders" arrived from the east, bringing with them a new language and way of life. They mixed with the previous inhabitants of Europe, creating distinct groups like the Celts or the Germans that we know today.

Finally, around 2,000 years ago, the Romans arrived in Europe, and they brought new genes with them. They mixed with the locals, and their genetics can still be seen in people from Italy, Spain, and other parts of the Mediterranean.

So, that's how the genetic history of Europe shaped up over time. We learned about the original Hunter-gatherers, the arrival of farmers, the Steppe herders, and the Romans. Each migration and mix led to differences in the genetic make-up of the people of Europe, creating the diversity we see today.