Autochthon (Noun)
Meaning
The earliest known inhabitants of a region.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The indigenous people of the region, known as the Kusunda, are considered the autochthons of the Himalayan foothills.
- Historical records suggest that the Ainu were the autochthons of Japan, inhabiting the islands for thousands of years before the arrival of other ethnic groups.
- The ancient Sumerians are widely regarded as the autochthons of Mesopotamia, having established some of the earliest known cities in the region.
- The San people are believed to be the autochthons of Southern Africa, with a history of habitation dating back tens of thousands of years.
- Genetic and archaeological studies have confirmed that the Papuans are the autochthons of New Guinea, with a distinct ancestry stretching back over 40,000 years.