That website looks a bit too commercial for my liking. 'Germanic Tribes', 'Phoenician', 'Viking' and similar terms are not scientifically useful. They appeal to people's broad concepts of history. They are not genetic distinctions, but simplifications. Spectacular and appealing.

One of the best books I've read on the subject is from the Italian Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza, 'Geni, Popoli e Lingue', to needlessly pedantically quote the Italian title. Available in English as 'Genes, peoples and Language'. Well worth checking out for those interested in the subject.

He describes genetic diffusion by the analogy of a rock that is thrown in a pond. Outward reaching concentric circles that fade away. For example, the spread of agriculture from the Middle East has left a genetic trace, with the epicentre in Turkey and gradually extending (fading away) into European peoples.
A similar effect can be found for the Greek expansion in the first millenium b.c. And many other phenomena.

The result is not just a single genetic map, but many genetic maps, each tracing the spread of different groups. Cavalli-Sforza combines this genetic research with linguistics. And tests both against one another. The results are some great insights into human history and kinship.


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Quote Originally Posted by Tribesman View Post
I didn't say they wasn't