Studies of the culture and genetics of the indigenous populations of the Canary Islands has shown that North African Berbers were likely the first people to colonize the Islands. However, throughout history, the genetic makeup of indigenous populations in the Canary Islands has changed due to the Spanish Conquest, the slave trade, and sugarcane plantations. Tracking the origins of indigenous populations of the Canary Islands revealed four new lineages specific to the Canary Islands which syncs up with radiocarbon dating showing that people were living on the islands by 1000 CE. The lineages also differ depending on location, and the Canary Islands were likely first settled in two early migration events. The researchers say that the Canary Islands fit into a larger picture of human migration through North Africa.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 21, 2019 09:56 UTC