Introduction

For centuries, the question of the percentage of Anglo-Saxons in England has puzzled historians and geneticists alike. This article delves into the complexities of Anglo-Saxon influence in modern England through the lens of genetic ancestry, exploring the DNA of modern English people. We'll analyze the myths and realities of Anglo-Saxon DNA and delve into the intricate web of ancient migrations that shaped the British Isles.

Anglo-Saxon DNA Today

Historians and geneticists have made significant strides in understanding the genetic makeup of modern English people. Contrary to popular belief, there is no single genetic marker that definitively identifies someone as Anglo-Saxon. Instead, a mix of various ancient populations contributes to the DNA of modern English people.

Recent studies suggest that modern English people have approximately 60% Ancient Briton DNA, with the rest of their DNA comprising a mix of Gaelic, Saxon, Angle, and Norman contributions. This mix reflects the complex history of population movements and intermarriages that have shaped Britain over centuries.

Lombard and Germanic DNA

In the more northern parts of England and Scotland, a significant portion of Germanic DNA is labeled as Lombard by genetic testing services such as MyTrueAncestry. According to Eupedia, Lombard and North Dutch DNA are almost indistinguishable. Both are believed to have originated from the Winnili tribe in Sweden, a fact that underscores the ancient roots of these modern genetic markers.

It's important to note that the Germanic population movements were not uniform. Large numbers of people did not follow the same routes or settle in the same areas. For instance, North Dutch populations regularly suffered from flooding, leading to migrations that trace back to the Bronze and Iron Age. Many of these migrations pre-date the commonly believed influx of Germanic peoples into Britain during the Anglo-Saxon period.

The Angle Migration

The Angles, one of the main Germanic tribes that contributed to the Anglo-Saxon population, came to Britain due to environmental factors. A significant flood and plague along the Frisian coastline resulted in the departure of many inhabitants. Britain, already experiencing population decline, became an attractive destination for the Angles, as it offered good farmland for growing wheat, a staple in their diet.

However, the presence of Angles in what is now England predates the traditional timeline. For example, some Angle DNA found in modern English people's genetic makeup can be traced back to times before the Early Bronze Age (EBA) Beakers, a period traditionally associated with the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons. This finding challenges the notion that the Angle migrations were a recent phenomenon and highlights the complex nature of ancient migrations.

The Saxon DNA Mystery

The Saxon DNA puzzle is equally complex. The Saxons, known for their piracy and land raids, had a strong warrior culture. According to genetic studies, their DNA often appears as Germanic Europe on genetic testing platforms. However, modern individuals often do not carry this DNA due to significant admixture with other populations.

For instance, one of the author's son-in-law has a genetic line that traces back to Suffolk on the English coast. Interestingly, this line is more closely linked to Germanic ancestry, but he also shows the most 'Celtic' results of any English person tested. His closest modern populations are Wales and France, suggesting a diverse mix of ancestry.

These findings suggest that to find substantial levels of Saxon DNA, one would need to look at areas where Saxons settled and had long-term ancestry. This is because the genetic admixture with other population groups has diluted the Saxon DNA over centuries.

Conclusion

The genetic legacy of Anglo-Saxons in modern England is far more nuanced than popular belief suggests. A mix of Ancient Briton, Saxon, Angle, Roman, and other DNA forms the genetic tapestry of modern English people. Understanding this mosaic requires a deep dive into the complex history of population movements and genetic admixture.

As we continue to explore the genetic landscape of modern Britain, the stories of the past come to life through the lens of DNA, offering a new perspective on the rich history that has shaped the British Isles.

Keywords: Anglo-Saxon DNA, Genetic Ancestry, Anglo-Britons, Saxon DNA, Ancient DNA