Published: December 11 2023
A recent DNA study has revealed surprising information about the ancestry of Romanians. The study, which focused on several Balkan countries, including Romania, found that the Romanian genome is 50-60% Slavic in origin.
Ancestral origins of Romanians
Contrary to the popular belief that Romanians are descendants of Roman settlers, the study suggests that Romanians have a strong Slavic genetic heritage. This challenges the long-held theory that Romanians are the ancestral inhabitants of Transylvania, descended from Romanised Dacians.
Genetic makeup of the Balkan population
The research, conducted by Serbian, Spanish, and American scientists, aimed to understand the genetic composition and migration patterns of the Balkan populations. It found that Bulgarians, Romanians, and Croats have the highest concentration of Slavic genes, while Greeks have the lowest concentration.
Insights into ancient populations
The study also aimed to establish a continuity of genetic traits between modern Balkan inhabitants and ancient populations from the Bronze Age. The findings shed light on the complex genetic composition and historical migrations that have shaped the different populations of the Balkans.
Reconsidering Romanian genealogy
The DNA study challenges the existing theories about the origins of Romanians and prompts a reconsideration of their genealogy. The prevalence of Slavic genes in the Romanian genome suggests a different ancestral history than previously believed.
Questions & Answers
What does a recent DNA study reveal about the ancestry of Romanians? The DNA study reveals that the Romanian genome is 50-60 percent Slavic in origin, similar to Balkan countries such as Bulgaria and Croatia.
Who conducted the DNA study on the ancestry of Romanians? The DNA study was a collaboration between Serbian, Spanish, and American scientists.
What is the genetic make-up of the Balkan population according to the study? According to the study, Bulgarians, Romanians, and Croats have the highest concentration of Slavic genes, while Greeks have the lowest concentration ranging from 4 to 20 percent.
What is the state theory about the origin of Romanians in Transylvania? According to the state theory, Romanians in Transylvania are believed to be the descendants of the Romanised Dacians and Roman settlers who were the ancestral inhabitants of Transylvania.
What impact does the DNA study have on the Dacian-Romanian theory? The DNA study raises doubts about the Dacian-Romanian theory, which has been promoted for decades based on the affinity between Romance and Latin, suggesting that it has failed.
What was the primary aim of the DNA study? The primary aim of the DNA study was to demonstrate the continuity of genetic traits between modern Balkan inhabitants and ancient populations from the Bronze Age, reflecting two millennia of genetic population shifts and migration patterns.
Does the DNA study provide insights into the complex genetic composition and historical migrations in the Balkans? Yes, the DNA study not only sheds light on the distribution of Slavic genetic heritage but also provides insights into the complex genetic composition and historical migrations that shaped the different populations of the Balkans.
