The Genetic Legacy of North Africa in Spain: The Role of Carthaginians and Moors

For decades, the prevailing narrative in genetic studies has suggested that the North African ancestry found in Spaniards is primarily attributed to the Moorish conquest in the 8th century. However, a closer examination of historical records and genetic data presents a more complex picture. This exploration delves into the potential contributions of the Carthaginians, both through their Phoenician origins and through their military and cultural influence in the region, as well as their subsequent impact compared to the Moors of Arab and Berber descent.

The Carthaginian Connection

The origins of the Carthaginian empire trace back to the Phoenician city of Tyre, with significant settlements along the North African coast. Carthaginian military and trade expeditions extended into the Iberian peninsula, where they founded several cities, such as Cartagena, in what is now Murcia, Spain. Initial genetic studies have explored the presence of haplogroups that could be associated with the Carthaginians, including Y-DNA haplogroup E1b1b1b1a M81, often referred to as the "Berber marker."

The Phoenician and Carthaginian Legacy in Iberia

While the genetic contribution of the Carthaginians to modern Spanish DNA remains a subject of debate, historical documents suggest that significant genetic flow between North Africa and the Iberian peninsula can be traced back to Neolithic times. Phoenician settlers, followed by the Carthaginians, played an influential role in establishing trade routes and cultural exchange. Genetic studies indicate that certain subclades of haplogroup E1b1b, like M81, might have displayed a presence in Iberia prior to the Islamic expansion. The Time of Most Recent Common Ancestor (TMRCA) estimates for M81 suggest that its expansion began around the 1st century BC, coinciding with the Roman expansion and subsequent Carthaginian influence.

The Moors and Their Impact

While the Carthaginians initially established a significant presence, the Islamic expansion brought more extensive genetic and cultural changes. The Moorish conquest of the 8th century marks a profound chapter in the history of Iberia. Historical and genetic evidence points towards the significant impact of the Moors (Arabs and Berbers) on Iberian genetic pools. Haplogroup E1b1b1b1a M81, especially, has been found at higher frequencies in regions where Moorish occupation was most prolonged, such as southern Spain and the Canary Islands.

Genetic maps illustrate the distribution of E-M81 in Europe, highlighting the highest concentrations in Portugal, Spain, and within the isolated Pasiego community of Cantabria. Scroll down to the subclade M81 section in the provided Y-DNA haplogroup E1b1b link for detailed distribution data.

Neolithic to Modern

While genetic studies provide insights into past populations, it is essential to consider the broader historical context. The genetic legacy of North Africa in Spain is a result of millennia of interaction, spanning from the Neolithic era to the Islamic period. Carthaginian influence likely played a foundational role in early exchanges, while Moorish rule brought more extensive genetic and cultural integration. This legacy is a testament to the complex interplay of different ethnic groups and the lasting impact of historical migrations on modern genetic compositions.

Understanding the genetic legacy of North Africa in Spain requires a nuanced approach, combining historical, archaeological, and genetic evidence. While the Carthaginians and Moors played pivotal roles, the intricate tapestry of genetic flow over centuries reflects the rich and diverse history of the Iberian peninsula.