Are Sardinians Europe's Purest Indigenous Population?
There is a popular belief in the existence of a 'pure' European genetic line. However, such thoughts are scientifically unfounded. Genetic research and ancestry studies have consistently shown that all indigenous European populations are a mix of primarily three different sub-species of older Homo sapiens. Sardinians, in particular, have gained attention for carrying the most unmixed DNA from ancient Middle Eastern Neolithic Farmers. This article delves into the genetic makeup of Europeans, Sardinian DNA, and the origins of modern European populations.
Myth of 'Pure' European DNA
The notion of 'pure' European DNA is nothing more than a myth. Geneticists have found no evidence to support the claim of any group being 'pure' or isolated from other populations. The ancient Middle Eastern Neolithic Farmers contribute significantly to the DNA of Sardinians, but it is important to understand the broader context of European genetic diversity.
Autosomal DNA and European Ancestry
Modern Europeans carry a mix of DNA from three main groups: First Farmers, Hunter-Gatherers, and Metal Age Invaders. Ancestry DNA tests such as those provided by Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) can quickly determine the number of markers for these three groups. In my personal experience, North Western Europe normally has a much smaller percentage of Metal Age invaders, roughly half and half between the First Farmers and Hunter-Gatherers. This balance varies, with some individuals having a 44%, 43%, and 13% distribution among the three groups.
The Evolution of European DNA
The Hunter-Gatherers were the earliest inhabitants of Europe, but the First Farmers eventually raised a higher percentage of children and thus caught up. R1b, a cause for confusion, has two primary types: pastoralists and charioteers. The pastoralists trickled out over a prolonged period, while the charioteers came much later and caused considerable disruption. By virtue of being an island, Sardinia largely escaped the worst of charioteer invasions.
The Genetic Makeup of Sardinians
Sardinians carry the highest percentage of unmixed DNA from Middle Eastern Neolithic Farmers. This is not surprising considering Sardinia's geographic isolation. Moreover, Sardinians have a high prevalence of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup U5, which originated in Europe between 25,000 and 35,000 years ago. This haplogroup is still found in about 11% of modern European women, indicating its historical and genetic significance.
Original Europeans and Neanderthals
Original humans in Europe went extinct, but Neanderthals mated with modern humans. Therefore, all current Europeans carry some Neanderthal DNA. The first Homo sapiens to survive the last Ice Age were blue-eyed and dark-skinned people who emerged from southern Europe and moved north as the ice retreated. People in the Baltics have the highest percentage of this ancestral DNA, although all Europeans have some. This makes the people of the Baltics one of the closest to the 'original Europeans.'
The Arrival of Anatolian Farmers
The next significant group to arrive in Europe were the Anatolian farmers, the earliest significant outside influence. Sardinians, in particular, have the highest percentages of this DNA, making them one of the closest to the genetic legacy of these early farmers. This unique combination of DNA and geographical isolation has made Sardinians a subject of considerable interest in genetic and anthropological studies.
Conclusion
The concept of a 'pure' European population is a myth. All indigenous European populations are a mix of multiple ancient groups. Sardinians, while holding the most unmixed DNA from ancient Middle Eastern Neolithic Farmers, are part of a broader tapestry of European genetic diversity. The meticulous study and understanding of these genetic markers provide a more accurate and nuanced picture of the complex heritage of modern Europeans.