Why do southern Italians have Middle Eastern DNA?
According to previous studies on the Y chromosome and mtDNA,34, 35 the Middle Eastern ancestry in Southern Italians most likely originated at the time of the Greek colonization and, with a smaller percentage, of the subsequent Arabic domination,7 whereas in Central-Northern Italy it is possibly because of the admixture …
What race is southern Italy?
Ethnolinguistic minorities of southern Italy and Sicily are geographically subdivided into two main clusters: the first cluster comprises the Albanian, Croat and Greek communities of the Adriatic area; and the second cluster comprises the Albanian and Greek communities of the Ionian, Thirrenian and Sicilian areas.
Is Italy considered Middle East?
The Middle East is a geographical and cultural region located primarily in western Asia, but also in parts of northern Africa and southeastern Europe. The western border of the Middle East is defined by the Mediterranean Sea, where Israel, Lebanon, and Syria rest opposite from Greece and Italy in Europe.
Who invaded southern Italy?
The Norman conquest of southern Italy lasted from 999 to 1139, involving many battles and independent conquerors.
Where did the Vikings go in Italy?
Sicily
Sicily has a checkered history. It’s been variously conquered by, and taken from, the Germanic Vandal tribe, Muslim Byzantine forces, the Normans and Vikings, and the Spanish kings. But it’s perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of the Sicilian mafia, the organized crime syndicate known for their ruthlessness.
Were there Vikings in Italy?
There is little evidence for Viking activity in Italy as a precursor to the arrival of the Normans in 999, but some raiding is recorded. Ermentarius of Noirmoutier and the Annales Bertiniani provide contemporary evidence for Vikings based in Frankia proceeding to Iberia and thence to Italy around 860.
What makes the Middle East unique?
The Middle East is a geographical region that has been of great importance in history since ancient times. Strategically located, it is a natural land bridge connecting the continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe. In recent times its enormous deposits of oil have made the Middle East more important than ever.
Why is Middle East so important?