THE NAPOLEON DNA PROJECT - The search for Napoleon's descendants
Are you a direct male descendant of Napoleon Bonaparte?
The genetic origin analysis of Napoleon DNA profile.
Since the beginning of 2010, iGENEA has been searching for male descendants of Napoleon Bonaparte's family in a large-scale, worldwide project. 47 people who claim to be related to Napoleon have been tested for genetic similarities. At the same time, scientists conducted extensive DNA testing on a sample of Napoleon's hair. The test result was compared with a sample from Charles Napoléon Bonaparte, a descendant of Napoleon's brother Jérôme Bonaparte. Both test results matched and were published in the Journal of Molecular Biology Research on Dec. 31, 2011.
Origin analysis Napoleon Bonaparte
Using the profile of 37 markers and the Deep Clade test, the Institute for Origin Analysis iGENEA analyzed the origin of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Haplogroup
. Napoleon belonged to haplogroup E-M34. This group originated about 7,000 years ago on the eastern Mediterranean coast between Egypt and Turkey. Today, this haplogroup is still most common in Israel, the Palestinian territories, and Lebanon. About 10% of all Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews also belong to this haplogroup.Original people and region of origin
. Napoleon's profile is rather rare. We find similar profiles among Sephardic Jews, in Greece and Italy. Exactly when Napoleon's ancestors came to Italy from the Middle East is uncertain. They may have sailed across the Mediterranean as Phoenician or Greek traders as early as 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. A Jewish ancestry of Napoleon is also possible.A clue to Napoleon's origins is already provided by his family genealogy: one of his ancestors, Francesco Buonaparte, was called \"il Mauro\". His ancestors can be traced back to the northern Italian town of Sarzana. This town was repeatedly the target of attacks by the Saracens in the Middle Ages, who were in control of the Mediterranean at the time. So it is likely that Napoleon's Arab ancestors came to Italy as conquerors or as traders with the Islamic expansion.
Search for relatives living today
. iGENEA is searching for individuals who are descended in a direct paternal line from Napoleon Bonaparte the First. The direct male line also includes the following members of the Bonaparte family:Napoléon I Bonaparte (1769-1821)
Napoléon II. Bonaparte (1811-1832)
Napoléon III Bonaparte (1808-1873)
Joseph Bonaparte (1768-1844)
Lucien Bonaparte (1778-1846)
Louis Bonaparte (1778-1846)
Jérôme Bonaparte (1784-1860)
There are many legends about illegitimate children of men of the Bonaparte family. iGENEA now offers for the first time the possibility to verify these tales with the help of a DNA test. In the current Napoleon project, we are now looking for more living next of kin of the Bonaparte family. To participate in the Napoleon DNA Project, order an iGENEA Premium or Expert test. If your profile matches Napoleon's in 34 out of 37 markers, we will refund the price of the test and you will receive a free test extension. Order DNA origin analysis
Discovering My Ancestral Connection to Napoleon Through iGENEA's DNA Test
Unlock centuries of hidden family history with a DNA test from iGENEA. From simple roots to shocking relations, each saliva sample takes you on a journey of self-discovery that has the power to bring history alive in your veins. (C. Meyerheinrich)
My recent experience with iGENEA, a leading DNA testing company, has been one of revelation and fascination. Although my knowledge of genetics was surface level at best, the team at iGENEA guided me on a journey of self-discovery, leading to an astounding discovery.
For some time, I had been wanting to learn more about my roots. Given iGENEA's reputation in the field, I felt confident entrusting them with my DNA test. The entire process was leagues beyond teenage biology classes - analysing my genetic code to unlock centuries of family history.
Upon receiving my kit, the instructions were straightforward and easy to follow. All I had to do was simply collect a saliva sample and send it back in the prepaid envelope. The customer service support was proactive, responding to my queries with patience and expertise. They kept me engaged and informed throughout the eight weeks it took to process and analyse my sample.
At the end of it, the results weren’t just a list of numbers representing chromosomes and alleles, they were a veritable peek into my origins. But the real shocker lay in the revelation that I share a direct lineage to none other than Napoleon Bonaparte himself.
To say I was shocked is an understatement. Initially, I couldn't believe it. My mind was swimming with questions, doubts, and excitement. Digging deeper into the documentation provided by iGENEA, I found the evidence credible. There were lines traced back through centuries, common ancestors of myself and the French Emperor connected through a web of genetic markers.
Though far removed by time and geography, the link between myself and Napoleon offered a unique perspective on what my 'genetic heritage’ really means. Even my family, who were initially skeptical, were intrigued by the findings. Those centuries-old genetic markers somehow made history tangible and personal in unexpected ways.
Overall, my experience with iGENEA was unforgettable. The processing of my DNA test gave me more than I could ever have expected. It instilled in me a newfound respect for the unraveling sciences of DNA, genetics, genealogy, history and, last but not least, the story of me.
Links:
- A rare variant of the mtDNA HVS1 sequence in the hairs of Napoléon's family
- Towards a Full-Length Y-Chromosome DNA Sequence of Napoléon the First: Beyond the E-M34 SNP Sub- Haplogroup
The DNA profiles of other famous people
Questions and answers about the DNA test
How long does a DNA origin analysis take?
After we have received the samples it normally takes 6 weeks for the fist results. Depending on the chosen test the result is thus already fully ready or further analysis are done.
How can I order a DNA origin analysis for someone else?
If you order and pay for a test set for somebody else online, the address of the other person under “Comments”. We will then send the collection kit to the address of this person. You can also place your order by phone or e-mail.
This is how the DNA origin analysis works
A Mucus Sample suffices to get a sample of your DNA. Taking the sample is simple and painless and can be done at home. Send the samples with the envelop included in the sampling kit.
at home, simple and painless
with the enclosed envelope
online after approx. 5 weeks