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DNA to Test Theory of Roman Village in China

Reverse Gear writes "Many of the inhabitants of a lonely village in north western China seems to have distinctive western features. An old theory from the 50s suggests that a Roman legion lost in what is now Iran in the year 53BC lost their commanding officer. They traveled east, so the legend goes, working as mercenaries until they were caught by the Chinese 17 years later. The Chinese described them as using a 'fish-scale formation', which could be a reference to the well-known Roman phalanx technique called the 'tortoise'. The remainder of the legion, it is suggested, may have intermarried with the villagers in Liqian. Scientists are now trying to verify the fascinating theory by testing the DNA of the inhabitants of the Chinese village."

7 of 203 comments (clear)

  1. suspicious?? by markxsd · · Score: 5, Funny

    From TFA...

    Gu Jianming, who lives near Liqian, said he was surprised to be told he might be descended from a European imperial army. But the birth of his daughter was also a surprise. Gu Meina, now six, was born with a shock of blonde hair.

    If my wife gave birth to a half Chinese baby and told me that it was descended from an ancient lost tribe of Chinese settlers, I might be somewhat suspicious. Gu Jianming, wake up man, she cheated on you... My guess it is with the blond guy you saw in the village about 9 months ago!

    1. Re:suspicious?? by Bob54321 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Gu Meina, now six, was born with a shock of blonde hair.

      My guess it is with the blond guy you saw in the village about 9 months ago!


      Your math is shocking... either that or there has been some technological advances not reported on Slashdot.
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    2. Re:suspicious?? by Ankou · · Score: 4, Funny

      You know it would save a lot of money and time if we settled this on the Maury Povich show. "Marcus Aurelius, you ARE the father!" Man that back child support fo that many years will be a BITCH!

  2. a bit far... by symes · · Score: 4, Funny

    to go for a take out - dontcha think?

  3. Re:How can they test? by Timesprout · · Score: 4, Funny

    especially after being lost for 17 years.
    They were not lost, just slightly unsure of where they were invading.
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  4. Re:How can they test? by Speare · · Score: 4, Funny

    A roman legion is most likely all male. while possible a few women a were present it is doubtful. especially after being lost for 17 years.

    Yeah, if a woman was along with all those lost men, she would have asked for directions!

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  5. Re:But... by mrex · · Score: 4, Funny

    Unlike their earlier Greek counterparts, Roman soldiers were forbidden from interfering with each other and were also forbidden from interfering with themslves

    Ahhhh yes, "Directivus Primus".