The Enduring Genetic Continuity of the Iranian Population Over Five Millennia

Comparing Ancient and Modern DNA
By comparing contemporary Iranian DNA with ancient samples from the Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages, the researchers discovered a remarkable genetic consistency. Most members of the Iranian Central Cluster have changed very little over the past 5,000 years. In contrast to many other regions where incoming populations replaced earlier ones, Iran has largely preserved its indigenous genetic signature. Even the migrations of Steppe herders or Neolithic farmers into the region did not significantly alter the genetic makeup of central Iranian populations.