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Working Groups

The ATES working groups (WG) are designed to accomplish various priority tasks related to the main scientific issues through the conduct of observation, analysis and modeling activities. To date, six working groups have been set up with specific objectives.

WG 1

Paleolithic Culture and Human Migration

To understand early trans-continental dispersals of ancient human groups and their occupation of diverse environments.

WG 2

Trans-Eurasia Exchange of Early Farming and Herding

To further understand the detailed history of prehistoric trans-Eurasian exchanges, agriculture origin, the diffusion of early farming-herding groups, and their effects on human societies and human-environment interaction in Eurasia during Neolithic-Bronze Age.

WG 3

Evolution of Silk Road Network and Towns

To conduct archaeological identification, to make geographical description, and to do historical literature analysis on ancient courier stations, ancient towns, and transportation systems along the Silk Road based on historical documents study as well as field exploration, making full use of geography related technical means, and related anthropological and archaeological materials.

WG 4

Silk Road Science and Technology Exchange

To explore the production of scientific and technological knowledge in Eurasia and provide a comprehensive picture of its dissemination among the ancient civilizations along the Silk Road.

WG 5

Genetic History of Silk Road Populations

To study the genetic structure, admixture, origin and migration of human populations along the Silk Road using molecular biology (such as paleogenomics and pangenomics) and physical anthropology approach.

WG 6

Silk Road Civilization and Environment

To understand the spatio-temporal patterns of climate and environment in the Silk Road regions at different periods in the past and present, and their effects on the processes of trans-Eurasia exchanges and the development of the Silk Road civilizations, aiming at enhancing the resilience of the societies, by assessing vulnerability and risk at various space and time scales.