Paleo-European languages

[4] A related term, "Pre-Indo-European", refers more generally to the diverse languages that were spoken in Eurasia before the Indo-European migrations.

The interior of the continent probably showed moderate linguistic diversity, except likely in the Alps and the mountainous areas of the Balkan Peninsula.

Archeologist David W. Anthony postulates that there could have been between 20 and 40 "language communities" in Europe during the late Neolithic period.

[6] While substantial migrations of Indo-European speaking peoples cannot be ruled out, the scenario of large-scale population replacements is unlikely; smaller groups with economic or political influence may have caused Paleo-European speakers to adopt their language over generations.

[8] Other Paleohispanic languages can only be identified indirectly through toponyms, anthroponyms or theonyms cited by Roman and Greek sources.