Ancient DNA of Phoenician remains indicates discontinuity in the settlement history of Ibiza

Ancient DNA analysis of Phoenician remains from Ibiza reveals a genetic discontinuity between the island's early settlers and its modern inhabitants. The study, which included nine complete mitochondrial genomes from Punic necropoli and a Bronze Age site, alongside one low-coverage whole genome sequence, found that while modern Ibizans primarily trace their maternal ancestry to recent European populations, the Phoenician settlers exhibited significant Eastern Mediterranean influence—suggesting male-dominated gene flow. This indicates that the founding population's genetic legacy was largely lost over time. The findings challenge the assumption of continuous cultural and genetic transmission in the island's settlement history.

Zalloua, P., Collins, C. J., Gosling, A., Biagini, S. A., Costa, B., Kardailsky, O., Nigro, L., Khalil, W., Calafell, F., & Matisoo-Smith, E. (2018). Ancient DNA of Phoenician remains indicates discontinuity in the settlement history of Ibiza. Scientific Reports, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-35667-y