The first genomic study has disproved Herodotus’ theory about Armenian origins, reports Trinity College Dublin.
The population structure and genetic variability of Armenian groups were studied.
According to the above theory, Armenians were believed to be descendants of Phrygian settlers from the Balkans, but research has yet to find a genetic link.
“The first complete genome study challenges this long-held belief, revealing that there is no significant genetic link between Armenians and the populations of the Balkan region,” the site writes.
The researchers behind the new study also debunked another theory, claims of Assyrian origins for the Armenian population of Sassoon.
“In testing genetic continuity in the Armenian Highlands, we found a genetic introduction into the region from a source associated with Neolithic Levantine farmers after the Early Bronze Age. In terms of timing and genetic origin, this is consistent with previous findings from adjacent regions, thus allowing us to conclude that in the post-Early Bronze Age, there has been a large-scale movement in the Middle East,” says Professor Andrea Manika of the University of Cambridge.
The researchers also shed light on the population structure and genetic variation of different Armenian groups, finding that populations in the Armenian Highlands’ eastern, western, and central parts are relatively similar.
“This is the first research that tries to draw the genetic atlas of the Armenian Highlands,” said Levon Episkoposyan, professor of the Institute of Molecular Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, co-author of the publication.
A detailed scientific article published on Cell. Am states that Armenians are considered one of the ancient peoples of Western Asia and historically inhabited the Armenian Highlands.
The earliest reference to Armenia as a state is contained in the Babylonian version of the Behistun Inscription, which dates back to 1000 BC in 522.
“According to the ancient “Balkan theory,” based on the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, the ancestors of Armenians were Phrygian colonists who migrated from the Balkans to the Armenian Highlands. However, extensive excavations have not found any convincing archaeological evidence to date,” the website writes.
