19946 - Anthropological Genetic History: The Byzantine Connection to NM Families

Course Overview

Roman rule over Spain ended in 400 AD with endless barbarian invasions. The re-conquest of Spain by the Eastern Empire was almost an accident. The Emperor Justinian had re-conquered North Africa in 534 and was still fighting the long re-conquest of Italy. It is impossible to say whether Justinian had formed any definite plan for re-conquering Spain, but we may be sure that it was one of his ambitions. Before he had completed the subjugation of the Ostrogoths he was invited to intervene in Spain. In a nasty dynastic civil war, the Visigoth King Athanagild sought the support of the Emperor Justinian, and the Emperor sent a fleet to the southern coasts of Spain. The connection between certain New Mexican families and the Byzantines will be explored. A short film will be shown and we’ll discuss which families show the markers that are most identified with this ancient civilization.