Chinese villagers ‘descended from Roman soldiers’

Genetic testing of villagers in the village of Liqian in north-western China has shown that their genetics is 56 percent Caucasian. Some features such as green or blue eyes, fair hair, and long noses led to the belief that these villagers may have some European ancestry. It is believed that Roman soldiers fighting the Han Chinese 2,000 years ago may be the source of this European ancestry. The theory is that Roman legionaries settled this region after retreating from a battle in 53 BC. This battle was between a Roman army led by Marcus Crassus and the Parthians who were much larger in number. This battle also signaled the end of the Romans expansion eastward with thousands of troops being killed and Marcus Crassus being beheaded.



Cai Junnian's green eyes give a hint he may be a descendant of Roman mercenaries who allegedly fought the Han Chinese 2,000 years ago

However, those troops that did escape are believed to have settled in this region of China. Archeologists also have plans to dig in this area and look for any remains of forts or other structures that could have been built by the Romans and add more proof to this theory. Most historians are still skeptical however, citing that they would need proof of the Romans being in the area, such as weapons, money, or other Roman artifacts.

I find this to be very interesting as it is an application of genetics that I would never have thought of. Using genetics to help learn about the history of civilizations 2,000 years prior is quite astonishing. It is again another indirect use of genetics to help further knowledge.