Haplogroup E-V22 has a fascinating history marked by its expansive spread across continents, facilitated primarily by two key groups from the MENA region: the Jews and the Arabs. This lineage, originating in the Levant, owes much of its far-reaching presence to the dynamic movements of these groups, whose trade, migration, and cultural diffusion spanned vast areas.
The Radhanite Middlemen
Jewish merchants, known as Radhanites, played a pivotal role as intermediaries between the East and the West during the early medieval period. Operating along the Silk Road, these traders bridged diverse regions, connecting China, India, the Middle East, and Europe. The core of their network was Radhan, a location in present-day Iraq, where a significant Jewish population flourished following the Babylonian exile. This period saw the development of the Babylonian Talmud, a cornerstone of Rabbinic Judaism.
The extensive trade routes of the Radhanites facilitated not only economic exchanges but also genetic and cultural intermingling, contributing to the spread of haplogroup E-V22 into far-flung regions
I see my own E-V22 subclade as linked to this phenomenon, with genetic matches across these regions, emphasizing the historical impact of these Jewish traders.
The Role of the Caliphates
Simultaneously, the rise of Islam in 610 CE in Mecca ushered in a new era of Arab expansion. Within a century, the Islamic world grew under three major caliphates:
The Rashidun Caliphate (632–661)
The Umayyad Caliphate (661–750)
The Abbasid Caliphate (750–1517)
The Umayyad Caliphate, at its zenith in 740 CE, extended from the Iberian Peninsula to Central Asia, establishing one of history’s largest empires. Arab expansion during this period, combined with trade and conquest, carried haplogroup E-V22 to new territories.
The overlapping movements of Jewish and Arab populations created a synergistic effect, amplifying the spread of E-V22 across an unprecedented geographic range.
A map of the Umayyad Caliphate in 740 CE.
Mediterranean Spread
An example of this shared Jewish and Arab legacy is seen in the pedigree of Richard Blandini from Sicily. His E-V22 lineage exemplifies a blend of Arab and Jewish heritage, reflecting the historical interplay of these cultures in the Mediterranean region. Sicily, as a crossroads of civilizations, serves as a microcosm of this broader narrative.
Jewish E-V22 in Europe: Western and Eastern Ashkenazim
The Jewish diaspora further propagated haplogroup E-V22 across Europe, particularly in Central-Eastern and Northwestern regions. Most E-V22 lineages in Europe trace back to Jewish ancestry, underscoring their significant role in this genetic legacy.
A chart modified from Ehaik and Wexler (2017) illustrates the spread of Jewish E-V22 in Ashkenazi populations, showcasing its enduring presence in European Jewry:
A Global Sprawl: from Levantine Nomadic Pastoralists to Global Nomads
By the time geneticist Cruciani first identified E-V22 in 2007, its extraordinary geographic reach was unmistakable. As he observed:
"The only haplogroup showing a wide geographic distribution was E-V22, relatively common not only in northeastern and eastern Africa but also found in Europe and western Asia, up to southern Asia."
The story of E-V22 begins with the nomadic pastoralists of the Levant, whose adaptability and movement laid the foundation for this lineage’s remarkable spread. Over millennia, the migrations of Jewish and Arab populations further propelled its reach, from the Silk Road to the Mediterranean and beyond.
Today, the descendants of these ancient nomads have become global nomads themselves, their genetic legacy visible across continents and cultures. What started in the Levant has truly spanned the world, a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and connection that defines human history.
Comments