Ancient DNA Unveils Secrets of Italy's Pre-Roman Piceni Civilization
A study published in Genome Biology analyzed DNA from over 100 ancient skeletons to explore the origins and cultural ties of the Piceni, a pre-Roman people in central Italy. The research revealed that the Piceni had unique genetic traits compared to other Italian communities, likely due to their distinct location and cultural interactions. Notably, the Piceni exhibited phenotypic diversity, with features like light-colored eyes and blond hair, suggesting genetic links to Northern Europe and the Near East. These findings highlight the Piceni's unique genetic and cultural identity in ancient Italy.
