A recent study published in Nature reveals surprising findings regarding the Phoenician civilization's genetics. Despite their expansive cultural influence around the Mediterranean, particularly through trade and inter-city connections, Punic peoples exhibited no shared ancestry with their Middle Eastern counterparts. Contrary to expectations, DNA analysis indicated a closer genetic relationship between Punic individuals and populations from ancient Greece and Sicily. The study provides insight into how the Punic legacy arose from various ancestral backgrounds, particularly post-500 BC, marking significant cultural yet distinct genetic evolution for the famed civilization.
The study revealed that while Phoenician civilization spread its culture across the Mediterranean, its inhabitants did not share a common Middle Eastern ancestry.
Punic peoples, once thought to closely resemble their Middle Eastern origins, instead exhibited genetic profiles more aligned with ancient Greece and Sicily.
The findings challenge the long-held belief that cultural diffusion was accompanied by genetic continuity, highlighting a complex ancestry for the Punic people.
Research suggests that following the foundational period of Carthage, North African ancestries began to integrate into the Punic gene pool, complicating their genetic heritage.
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