Dark-skinned Italians near Rome

[MarcuccioV]

He doesn't look Roman to me.

I've done the "corrections" myself. The algorithm is by no means perfect, especially if the pic is blurry or far away (& this is both). I wouldn't take the "corrections" with much more than a grain of salt based on the original picture's quality.

I do, however, heartily agree that he does not look "Roman". Neither does my grandfather. Other people I have asked generically say they see Greek or Lebanese (of which I have both in my genetic makeup) in my grandfather's features/coloring. One even said he sees Tunisian...

Go figure.

[darkerhorse]

Maybe Pippo will weigh in. I think he's from your region.

[MarcuccioV]

Maybe Pippo will weigh in. I think he's from your region.

Yes, not terribly far, I think to the NW of Rome (Viterbo) or possibly to the east in the foothills. I'm certain based on my paper trail research that my grandfather's paternal line was "new" to the commune just prior to available records. Just where they came in from remains hidden for the present...

[MarcuccioV]

Here.

Here's my version of the "corrected" photo (again, I don't put much stock in the algorithm). His nose looks similar to my grandfather's, at least...

[darkerhorse]

I've seen Asian Indians who look similar, but not Lebanese. For example, Danny Thomas and Uncle Tonoose were much lighter-skinned.

[darkerhorse]

Though, I have seen Italians with facial features and coloring like Danny Thomas (but not like your man).

I'd still vote for Asian Indian or perhaps African or Polynesian influence.

[MarcuccioV]

Though, I have seen Italians with facial features and coloring like Danny Thomas (but not like your man).

I'd still vote for Asian Indian or perhaps African or Polynesian influence.

My wife's late uncle by marriage was of Lebanese ancestry (he was born in NY, but I think all his older siblings were born in Lebanon/Syria). He and my grandfather could have passed for brothers. Same general features, skin tone, build. I think Ray's nose may have been slightly larger, but not by much.

My grandmother's mtDNA (from Sicily) has even deeper roots in India with the Romani (gypsy) people. No such connection found yet for my grandfather, but who knows..?

[MarcuccioV]

This photo of DT shows a definite med olive. I see a few similarities to my grandfather, the low forehead, thick eyebrows & nose shape. Anything's possible...

[darkerhorse]

Where do you think this person was born?

[MarcuccioV]

Where do you think this person was born?

Probably New York city...

[darkerhorse]

Ethiopia.

I think he and young Campy resemble your DNA match more than Danny Thomas or your grandfather do.

[MarcuccioV]

I don't quite agree, but that's OK. This guy is Tunisian. I see resemblances also...

[MarcuccioV]

And this one is Cypriot. At least I have this in my DNA -- maybe...

[MarcuccioV]

Ethiopian would likely show up to a trace extent -- neither myself, my UK match nor my illegitimate cousin have any trace of Ethiopian. Or ANY African (north or otherwise), for that matter...

[PippoM]

Maybe Pippo will weigh in. I think he's from your region.

I've not read all the thread.
However, I can say there's a great mix and variability of skin colours in Roma (as a city), as it was a "melting pot" of all (and not only) Italy. As to nearby town/villages, I can say my experience of it, as a "modern" man: there are more dark than light skin people. But I think they are, in their turn, a mix of people coming from the central Italy areas that were part of the Papal State. As a summary, I don't think you can tell where someone is from, based on his/her skin colour.