**Half of the World’s Population Traced Back to Ancient Group**
New DNA research has revealed that half of all humans alive today are descended from a group called Yamnaya, who lived in what is now Ukraine around 5,000 years ago. This means that around 4 billion people can trace their ancestry back to these cattle herders.
**The Genetic Birthplace of Indo-European Peoples**
Research led by David Reich, a geneticist at Harvard Medical School, has identified the village of Mykhailivka in Ukraine as the genetic birthplace of the Indo-European peoples. These people migrated across Europe and West Asia in waves, leaving behind cultures such as the Romans, Celts, Persians, and Macedonians.
**Yamnaya Culture’s Importance**
The Yamnaya culture was an equestrian group that buried their dead beneath mounds called kurgans. They left behind a rich cultural heritage, which is now being damaged by Russia‘s ongoing occupation of Ukraine. The research analyzed remains from 100 sites across Europe and 1,000 ancient samples to confirm earlier theories about the spread of the Yamnaya culture.
**Damage to Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage**
Unfortunately, Ukraine’s cultural heritage is being destroyed as a result of the war with Russia. As of February, 485 Ukrainian cultural sites have been damaged, including two archeological sites. Russia has also looted Ukrainian artifacts from Crimea and other areas since 2014, transporting many to Russian museums.
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