Subject: Re: Fw: re Irish not being Celts I agree with the poster, and want to add my half "sense" (since I have no scientific background). I had a Maternal line DNA test taken last year, which proved much of the research I completed on my Lewis line. The proof was not just in the DNA test, but in those who contacted me. Most who contacted me were well educated, and had completed quite a bit of research on their family lines. Many of the Americans connected to me through Virginia, and my Lewis line. The Lewis (Llewelyns) came from Breconshire and Monmouthshire Wales. My female ancestor came to Europe through North Africa, and left traces of DNA in the Basque Region of Spain, Switerland, Germany, France, before settling in England. They entered England about 250 AD, 45,000 years after entering Europe (that is a long time). There is one person who is in Ireland that is a DNA match, but I have not heard directly from him. It was fascinating to learn that my DNA is so ancient, and that it continues to exist all over Europe, and in North Africa. I believe there is a lot of recessive DNA that has yet to show up in tests. It is still relatively new, and there is a lot more to learn. If the Irish are not Celts then who is? Anita -- Paul Drake <pauldrake@CHARTER.NET> wrote: Because of the recent notes and URL about the Irish likely not being Celts, here is a view from a lady who likely knows more about the subject than most of us, and surely more than do I. Paul Subject: re Irish not being Celts Dear Paul: Having had our family DNA in done for the (BFOOV) - and we did the other test too for the alleles - for closest genetic matches - it was astounding to see the matches for the Nordic related numbers, as well as, Russian and central European, but by far, the most matching alleles came from Icelandic peoples, which would make sense, since the Vikings invaded these areas early on. Since I am an anthropologist - one must remember that research without empirical data CAN be swayed to represent ones ideological agenda! Somewhere in the middle lies the truth. One must also ask "who paid for the research" - this is always important in approaching the end result. Another perspective one needs to consider, it is often difficult when doing anthropology in Ireland, because being wood and other decay able materials - a lot of it, simply disappeared, in addition, to having a inhabitable coastline, where really ancient materials would have been swept away. What is interesting to consider, is that steppe peoples, from which most of us descend, went out in two different directions, those to the east and those to the west. If one would look at the decorations, burial rituals and funereal items found in the steppes, types of structure in clothing items, (when found) and tool replications, along with ornamentation - you may notice a distinct similarity. I do not doubt the validity of some of this material - I do find it hard to believe there is no viable inclusion of "Celtic" descendancy in larger numbers. That is just my perspective - always read between the lines! karen To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html ________________________________________________________________ Get your name as your email address. Includes spam protection, 1GB storage, no ads and more Only $1.99/ month - visit http://www.mysite.com/name today!