Peter Hrechdakian

researching their family history and their deep ancestry through genetic testing. By

reaching thousands of years into the past, we aim to understand the genetic makeup

and deep genetic history of the Armenian people. In the process, we hope to make

sense of the historical impact of population migrations, invasions and

expansions. DNA testing also helps people interested in genealogy trace their

ancestors and find relatives. This is particularly important considering the variability

of Armenian last names and the destruction of many genealogical records of

Ottoman Armenians during the Genocide. This lecture will start by giving an

overview of ancestry research through DNA. It will review the DNA results of

Armenians tested by the project and by academic researchers. It will finish with an

exposé of the most important recent findings which touch upon the following

questions: What is an Armenian from a genetic point of view? Is there a typical

Armenian genetic group? Are there regional genetic variations amongst Armenians?

Are Armenians native to the region or not? If not, where could they have come

from… and when? What languages did the ancient Armenians speak? How do

Armenians compare genetically to other ethnic, religious and linguistic groups from

the region?

Uni