A genetic study finds Greece's Deep Maniots are highly isolated, with most men tracing ancestry to one 7th-century male.

A new genetic study released on February 4, 2026, reveals that the Deep Maniots of southern Greece are one of Europe’s most genetically isolated populations, with paternal lineages tracing back to Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman-era groups. Most men descend from a single male ancestor from the 7th century CE, likely due to a population bottleneck, while maternal lines show more diversity, suggesting limited female gene flow. The findings, based on Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA analysis, support oral histories and link the community to ancient builders of megalithic structures. The region’s rugged terrain and historical seclusion helped preserve this unique genetic and cultural heritage for over 1,400 years.