Venice Faces East

Wherefore art thou origins obscure? Part 2

In Part 1, I covered the three prominent Venetian origin theories – the Paphlagonia Theory, Lusatia Theory, and Brittany Theory.

I also found a study by the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Genographic Project who set out to validate one of these three theories. Unfortunately, after analyzing the DNA samples, the group deemed the results of the study inconclusive.¹

According to scholars, genetically analyzing Venice’s residents is an impossibility, because too much gene flow in and out of Venice has mixed the real ancestors with foreign settlers from around the world. Based on my investigations, I have always favoured an Eastern origin, particularly the area of Anatolia, this would fall within the Paphlagonia Theory.

To briefly recap; following the great Trojan wars, the Paphlagonians led by the Trojan prince Antenor emigrated from Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), along the Adriatic coast and eventually into the Veneto region, becoming the ancestors of modern-day Venetians.

Can we find enough corroborating evidence to support an Eastern origin?

“The early story of Venice is lost in mystery, and legends and myths take the place of facts and assertions in the pages of her existence.” – Alethea Wiel, The Story Of The Nations – Venice, 1894. Photo from shutterstock.com