Did Greeks of Peloponnese Extinct in Medieval Times? Study Sheds Light

A recent genetic study challenges a long-debated theory about the ancestry of the people of the Peloponnese, a region central to ancient Greek civilization. For nearly two centuries, historians have debated whether the Greek population of the Peloponnese went extinct and was replaced by Slavic settlers during the medieval period.

This controversial idea, proposed in 1830 by German historian Jacob Philipp Fallmerayer, suggested that Slavs overran the region in the 6th century CE, erasing the original population. However, a recent research led by George Stamatoyannopoulos from the University of Washington provides compelling evidence to the contrary.

Fallmerayer argued that invasions by Slavic and Avar groups killed the local population, leaving only a few survivors in coastal fortresses.

According to his theory, the invaders settled the region and, over time, assimilated into the Greek Orthodox culture. This idea sparked a fierce debate among historians, with some supporting his claims and others, including Greek historian Konstantinos Paparrigopoulos, refuting them.

DNA analysis of 241 people from across the Peloponnese

To settle this debate, researchers analyzed the DNA of 241 people from across the Peloponnese. The participants were selected for having all four grandparents born in the same village or nearby, ensuring their genetic roots were deeply tied to the region.

The study used advanced genetic methods to examine millions of genetic markers and compared them to populations from across Europe and beyond.

The study found that the genetic makeup of Peloponnesians is distinct from Slavic populations. Instead, they are closely related to Sicilians and Italians.

The researchers used various analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and ADMIXTURE, to assess the genetic similarities and differences. These methods confirmed that Peloponnesians share minimal genetic overlap with Slavic groups.

The Slavic ancestry in Peloponnesian subpopulations ranges from 0.2% to 14.4%, a proportion that suggests the Slavic migrations were limited in scale. Even in areas historically associated with Slavic tribes, such as the slopes of Mount Taygetos, the Slavic genetic influence remains negligible. This directly contradicts Fallmerayer’s claim of a complete population replacement.

Two notable groups, Maniots and Tsakones

The study also highlighted distinct genetic subgroups within the Peloponnese. Two notable groups are the Maniots, who live in the rugged Mani Peninsula, and the Tsakones, from the eastern slopes of Mount Parnon. Both groups exhibit unique genetic patterns that set them apart from other Peloponnesians.

Maniots, for example, show a strong genetic connection to Italians and Sicilians, but little to no Slavic influence. Historical records describe Mani as a refuge for Greek populations during invasions, which aligns with the genetic findings.

Similarly, the Tsakones, who speak a rare dialect with roots in ancient Doric Greek, show no significant Slavic ancestry. Their genetic distinctiveness likely stems from geographic isolation over centuries.

The study also compared Peloponnesians to populations in Asia Minor, as some theories suggested that Byzantine policies brought settlers from this region to repopulate the Peloponnese. The results showed only minor genetic overlap, indicating that such migrations had little impact on the region’s overall genetic makeup.

Moreover, the research demonstrated that Peloponnesians share significant ancestry with other southern European populations, such as Andalusians and French. This reinforces the idea that Peloponnesians have deep genetic ties to Europe, rather than being predominantly influenced by Slavic or Near Eastern migrations.

Medieval Greek population of the Peloponnese was not extinguished

The findings provide a genetic counterpoint to Fallmerayer’s theory, showing that the medieval Greek population of the Peloponnese was not extinguished.

Instead, while Slavic settlers did arrive, their numbers were relatively small and their genetic impact minimal. The local Greek population remained the dominant group, preserving their heritage and culture through centuries of challenges.

This study underscores the value of genetics in addressing historical controversies. While written records can be incomplete or biased, DNA offers an objective lens through which to examine the past. By combining historical and genetic evidence, researchers can paint a clearer picture of human history.

Today, the people of the Peloponnese carry the legacy of their ancient ancestors. The region’s genetic diversity reflects its complex history of migrations and interactions, yet it also highlights the enduring continuity of its population.

The study not only resolves a historical question but also celebrates the resilience of a culture that has thrived for millennia.