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Dispersal patterns of early humans across continents and islands are hotly debated, but according to a new study in Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesPleistocene hunter-gatherers settled Cyprus thousands of years earlier than previously thought.

Investigating the timing of the first human occupation of Cyprus, research led by Professor Corey Bradshaw of Flinders University found that the large Mediterranean islands were attractive and favorable destinations for Paleolithic peoples.

These findings contradict previous studies that suggested the Mediterranean islands would have been inaccessible and inhospitable to Pleistocene hunter-gatherer societies.

Professor Bradshaw, with Dr Theodora Mouziou, Dr Christian Rippmeier and others, used archaeological data, climate assessments and demographic modeling to reveal the early settlement of Cyprus.

Analysis of archaeological dating from the 10 oldest sites in Cyprus suggests that the first human habitation was between 14,257 and 13,182 years ago, much earlier than previously thought.

Researchers say the island was quickly populated after that. Climate modeling shows that this early settlement coincided with increases in temperature, precipitation, and environmental productivity sufficient to support large hunter-gatherer populations.

Based on demographic modeling, the authors suggest that large groups of hundreds to thousands of people arrived in Cyprus in two to three major migration events in less than 100 years.

“This pattern of settlement suggests organized planning and the use of modern vessels,” says Professor Bradshaw.

Within 300 years, or 11 generations, the population of Cyprus increased to an average of 4,000–5,000.

Dr Mutsiou says the results show that rather than being inhospitable, Cyprus and perhaps other Mediterranean islands would have been attractive destinations for Paleolithic hunter-gatherer societies.

“The human dispersal and settlement of Cyprus and other eastern Mediterranean islands is said to be due to demographic pressure on the continent after abrupt climate change caused coastal areas to flood from post-glacial sea-level rise, forcing agricultural populations to move to new areas out of necessity rather than choice,” he says.

Dr Riepmeier adds that this interpretation comes as a consequence of major gaps in the archaeological record of Cyprus, resulting from the varying preservation of archaeological material, preservation biases, dating uncertainties and limited DNA evidence.

“Our research, based on more archaeological evidence and advanced modeling techniques, changes that,” he says.

Professor Bradshaw says the new research results highlight the need to re-examine questions about early human migration in the Mediterranean and test the validity of perceived early settlement dates in the light of new technology, field methods and data.