About
The purpose of this post is to showcase the truth, not to spark any nonsensical genetic superiority ideologies.
Genetic and Cultural Continuity
In this blog post, we’ll explore a topic of great debate: Are modern Greeks genetically related to ancient Greeks? To answer this question, we’ll examine the scientific evidence.
The first clue, which should be sufficient evidence on its own, is the language. Modern Greeks speak modern Greek, as you likely guessed. While some argue that the differences between modern and ancient Greek are so significant that they’re practically different languages, the truth is that language evolves, especially over thousands of years. For instance, the Greek spoken in the Greco-Roman era would differ from the Greek spoken during the Byzantine era. In fact, Byzantine Greek is remarkably similar to modern Greek, particularly in terms of pronunciation. However, since language and traditions alone aren’t enough evidence, let’s delve into the genetic profiles of modern Greeks.
The ancient Greeks trace their ancestry back to the Minoans and Mycenaeans. As evident from the Homeric poems, these ancient civilizations have left a permanent mark on Greek culture. But what does modern genetic science reveal about this connection?
Groundbreaking DNA studies have revealed fascinating insights into Greek origins. Research shows that modern Greeks indeed share significant genetic heritage with the Mycenaeans. The Mycenaeans themselves were closely related to the Minoans, who preceded them, though they had some additional ancestry from eastern Europe and the Caucasus.
The Minoans, who flourished on Crete from approximately 3000 to 1100 BC, were Europe’s first advanced civilization. Genetic analysis shows they were primarily derived from early European farmers, with some ancestry from the eastern Mediterranean. The Mycenaeans, who dominated mainland Greece from around 1600 to 1100 BC, shared about three-quarters of their DNA with the Minoans but had additional ancestry from the Eurasian steppe.
Most remarkably, modern Greeks show a striking genetic similarity to these ancient populations. Studies indicate that modern Greeks share about 75-80% of their DNA with the Mycenaeans, suggesting a high degree of genetic continuity over the past 4,000 years. While there have been various influences from other populations throughout history, the core genetic signature has remained remarkably stable.
This scientific evidence supports what the continuity of language and cultural traditions has long suggested - that modern Greeks are indeed the living descendants of these ancient civilizations. However, it’s important to note that genetic heritage is just one part of the rich tapestry that makes up Greek identity, alongside cultural traditions, language, and shared history.
In conclusion, while modern Greeks share a substantial genetic similarity with ancient Greeks, it is evident that genetic profiles alone cannot determine the success of a civilisation, as evidenced by the current state of modern Greece.
Sources
This post was inspired by the Historical Walks video “Is the DNA of the ancient Greeks related to today’s?” as well as the articles and research papers listed below.
News & Science Articles
- The Greeks really do have near-mythical origins, ancient DNA reveals
- Ancient DNA analysis reveals Minoan and Mycenaean origins