Ancient East Asian Found in Roman Empire

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Some people of Italian ancestry, like me, might have a surprise in the family tree—a man of east Asian descent, who was living and working 2,000 years ago in the boondocks near the heel of the Italian boot. The discovery is the first good evidence of an Asian living in Italy during Roman times.

Researchers found his body on an imperial Roman estate and took dental samples. Why examine teeth? Well, the water you drink at birth leaves a distinct signature in your teeth. That water signature is in the form of oxygen isotopes, atoms of oxygen with different numbers of neutrons. Isotopes say something about the latitude and elevation of your birthplace—which in the case of our mystery man definitely wasn't southern Italy.

Then the researchers tested his mitochondrial DNA, which is passed down through your maternal lineage. And this fellow had east Asian genes. The finding appears in the Journal of Roman Archaeology.

It's impossible to say if the man trekked to Italy himself or one of his ancestors did. But it's clear that this first known Roman Asian wasn't some aristocratic diplomat. He was just a poor worker, buried with a single pot.

—Christopher Intagliata

link

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

People traveled? Say it ain't so!

Look up Thalassemia minor, esp. which parts of the world it is most prevalent in. The patterns are interesting.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

People traveled? Say it ain't so!

Look up Thalassemia minor, esp. which parts of the world it is most prevalent in. The patterns are interesting.

I think with modern genetic testing, DNA strands can be traced to common ancestry. I found out the other day that my 4th cousin, twice removed is a gorilla.

[DanielParul 50]

I think with modern genetic testing, DNA strands can be traced to common ancestry. I found out the other day that my 4th cousin, twice removed is a gorilla.

Couldn't help but

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Couldn't help but

[Nagishkaw 510]

Im related to AJ, who is related to BY, who is related to Almaty, who is related to Scandal, who is related to Sixy , who is related to Marc, who is related to himself. 0i!

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Im related to AJ, who is related to BY, who is related to Almaty, who is related to Scandal, who is related to Sixy , who is related to Marc, who is related to himself. 0i!

Phew...as long as nobody begot or knew the other.

[Nagishkaw 510]

Im sure they did not.

[The_Dude 1,142]

Hmmmmm so maybe that is where the Fist-Pumping at the Club gene comes from

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

I guess this proves conclusively that they had Chinese food in Ancient Rome.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Im sure they did not.

I guess this proves conclusively that they had Chinese food in Ancient Rome.

Caesar: I'm hankering for some Chinese take out tonight. Prepare my chariot.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

chariot? i am sure they had chinese derivery.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

chariot? i am sure they had chinese derivery.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Some people of Italian ancestry, like me, might have a surprise in the family tree—a man of east Asian descent, who was living and working 2,000 years ago in the boondocks near the heel of the Italian boot. The discovery is the first good evidence of an Asian living in Italy during Roman times.

Researchers found his body on an imperial Roman estate and took dental samples. Why examine teeth? Well, the water you drink at birth leaves a distinct signature in your teeth. That water signature is in the form of oxygen isotopes, atoms of oxygen with different numbers of neutrons. Isotopes say something about the latitude and elevation of your birthplace—which in the case of our mystery man definitely wasn't southern Italy.

Then the researchers tested his mitochondrial DNA, which is passed down through your maternal lineage. And this fellow had east Asian genes. The finding appears in the Journal of Roman Archaeology.

It's impossible to say if the man trekked to Italy himself or one of his ancestors did. But it's clear that this first known Roman Asian wasn't some aristocratic diplomat. He was just a poor worker, buried with a single pot.

—Christopher Intagliata

link

He was probably a slave.

[Niels Bohr 72]

I'm a distant cousin to all of you! Asian pride baby!