Study of the Armenian Genome Refutes the Hypothesis of Armenians' Balkan Roots: A Conversation with Professor Levon Yepiskoposyan

The professional online media outlet Stemnews.am, within the framework of the "Science Centers of Armenia" project, had a conversation with Professor Levon Yepiskoposyan, head of the Evolutionary Genomics Laboratory at the Institute of Molecular Biology of the National Academy of Sciences.

 

The comprehensive genome study of the Armenian population, conducted for the first time by the Evolutionary Genomics Laboratory, refutes a hypothesis that has long circulated in academic literature. This hypothesis, based on the works of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, claimed that Armenians have Balkan roots. The conclusion of the international team of scientists is based on a detailed comparative analysis of the genomes of both modern and ancient inhabitants of the Armenian Highlands and the Balkans.

 

During the interview, Professor Yepiskoposyan presented in detail the research methodology, the wide range of population samples including specimens originating from both the Armenian Highlands and the Balkans, and summarized the main scientific conclusions made by his team.

 

This important research sheds new light on the origins of the Armenian people and makes a significant contribution to the fields of global genetics and historical demography.

 

You can learn more about these and other interesting topics in the full interview.

 

The conversation was conducted by Lusine Hakobyan.