Arab Genes in Danish Genes
posted in Humans |
Arabian genes found in an Ancient Dane indicate that Scandinavians living 2,000 years ago were diverse genetically. This was observed in a DNA study.
The findings were published in the November (2008) issue of the American Journal of Physical Anthropology, which happens to be a part of a wider study meant to show that Denmark’s ancient population was quite diverse genetically as compared to present day.
Researchers hold the view that that the Iron Age cold have been a soldier serving on the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. He could have been a descendent of female women slaves who were brought in from Middle East. The Roman Empire extended up to the Middle East. Roman legions were located as far as north extending to the River Elbe in northern Germany.
The study studied 18 bodies that were well- preserved located in two burial sites dating from 0 to A.D.400 in eastern Denmark. These burial sites were excavated originally about 20 years ago.
Mitochondrial DNA provides the genetic details of the maternal ancestry of the individual. The information sought by the study was taken from the teeth. The study was led by Linea Melchoir of the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Cophenhagen.
One of the skeleton had a DNA signature known as haplogroup, which is closely linked to the Arabian Peninsula. Researcher Melchoir claims that the haplogroup was found among certain Bedouin tribes. It was also found in certain parts of Southern Europe. The skeleton is from Bogebjerggard, which is a site belonging to the Iron Age. The bodies were perhaps that of poor farmers.
The other burial site at Skovgraade had bodies, which were of genetic signature, which was common to modern Scandinavians, the study stated. They were the Nordic types and had lower diversity. This group comprised of women mainly of women. They could be identified by their fine rings, ornate hairpins and rings. It is quite evident that they were dressed up with attractive jewelry before burial. The Skovgraade burial represented the elite of the society.