History, Wonder Tales, Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends The Flemish | Page 222

In summary, the analysis of three datasets of Flemish Y-STR values, collected from
three independent sources, confirm the dominant presence of Haplogroup R1b
in Flanders. In addition, Haplogroup I1-M253, and to a smaller extent Haplogroups
I2b1-M223, J2, E1b1b, R1a, G2a, and I2a, have been shown to occur among Flemish
people. The data collected via the FFDNA project, which was mainly submitted by
people living in the USA, is fairly representative of the overall distribution of
Flemish DNA. Hence there is continuity in the paternal lines of the Flemish and
Flemish-Americans. The genetic characteristics of a small population living in the
north of Europe provide a glimpse into the complexity of the genetic mosaic in Europe.
Future research should concentrate on drawing more in-depth comparisons of
Flemish DNA with the patterns observed in Frisian, German, British, Spanish and
French populations. Based on the history of Flanders it is reasonable to assume that
the German influence on Flemish DNA is likely to be much stronger than, say, the
French. The British influence on Flemish DNA is likely to be minimal since Britain was
never an occupying power in Flanders. However FlemishDNA may be found back on
the British Isles since centuries ago there were large migrations of Flemish people
to England, Scotland, and Ireland. This should stimulate genetic genealogists
interested in the British Isles to trace their ancestry to the continent, in particular
to Flanders, that small piece of land across the Channel that has been a battleground
for centuries and continues to be the center of attention as to its influence on the
political unity of Europe.
Acknowledgements
The author is grateful for the advice and collaboration he received from Whit Athey,
Gerhard Mertens, Paul Duran, and Prof. Ronny DeCorte.
Web Resources
http://www.hprg.com/hapest5/
Haplogroup Predictor Program
http://www.familytreedna.com/public/Flanders/
Flanders-Flemish DNA Project web site
http://www.senate.be/english/federal_parliament_en.html
Belgian Federal Model
References
Athey TW (2005) Haplogroup prediction using an allele frequency approach. J
Genet Geneal, 1:1-7.
Athey TW (2006) Haplogroup prediction from Y-STR values using a Bayesianallele-frequency approach. J Genet Geneal, 2:34-39.
Baye HG (1987) The Belgians, First Settlers in New York and in the Middle
States. Heritage Books, New York.
Carson P (1990) Flanders in Creative Contrasts. Da