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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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DNA Study: Ancient Phoenicians Still With Us

Phoenician blood in North Africa, MidEast

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(Newser) – The Phoenicians may have disappeared as a distinct society a few thousand years ago, but it turns out their imprint remains very much alive today. Genetic researchers have discovered the DNA of the seafaring civilization in the blood of men—as many as 1 in 17— who live today in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, North Africa, and islands in the Mediterranean, National Geographic reports.

"By the time of the Romans they more or less disappeared from history, and little has been known about them since," said the lead researcher. "Our motivation was to really identify their genetic traces." The study could offer insights into the genetic impact of other ancient human migrations as well.

Researchers have found 3,000-year-old Phoenician DNA in the blood of men who live in Lebanon, Israel and other parts of the Mediterranean.
Researchers have found 3,000-year-old Phoenician DNA in the blood of men who live in Lebanon, Israel and other parts of the Mediterranean.   (AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)
Researchers have found 3,000-year-old Phoenician DNA in the blood of men who live in Lebanon, Israel, North Africa and other parts of the Mediterranean.
Researchers have found 3,000-year-old Phoenician DNA in the blood of men who live in Lebanon, Israel, North Africa and other parts of the Mediterranean.   (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)
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Our findings suggest that the Phoenicians left behind a genetic legacy that persists till modern times."
- Chris Tyler-Smith,  National Geographic Society Genographic Project

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The National Geographic Genographic Project
The Genographic Project

Enigmatic Phoenicians left lasting mark
New York Times


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Lebanon • Syria • Morocco • Tunisia • DNA • Cyprus • Malta • National Geographic Society • Phoenicians • Genographic Project • Y chromosomes

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