Medieval DNA Reveals Trans-Saharan Connections, Rapid Genetic Mixing and Leprosy in Islamic Ibiza

Ancient DNA Reveals Ibiza Was a Global Crossroads in the Medieval Mediterranean — and a Case of Leprosy

Learn how ancient DNA shows Ibiza’s Islamic-era population spanned Europe, North Africa, and the Sahara — including evidence of leprosy.

Medieval DNA reveals trans-Saharan connections, rapid genetic mixing and leprosy in Islamic Ibiza

Medieval Ibiza was far from a quiet Mediterranean backwater. New DNA evidence shows that the island was part of a dynamic world linking Europe, North Africa and even the Sahel zone, south of Sahara. An international research team led by the Centre for Palaeogenetics (CPG), a joint venture between Stockholm University and the Swedish Museum of Natural History, has revealed that its population was remarkably diverse, connected to Europe, North Afr…