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When Germany ruled Britain

Modelling study shows how Anglo-Saxon élite outbred native Brits.

They may not always have enjoyed the most cordial of relations, but English and German people have more in common than they might think. An analysis of the genetic make-up of today's British population suggests that almost all English people are descended from Saxon invaders who became masters of a two-tier society that battered indigenous Brits into submission.

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Posted by Michael Hopkin on July 19, 2006 11:49 AM |

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One of the factors that allowed the Germanic invaders (Saxons, but also Jutes and Angles) to take over was their position with regard to the Romans. For years before Rome left the island, Germanic mercenaries were used in the army. When the Roman rulership left, these mercenaries were in the best possible position to take over, and had their relatives immigrate.

Posted by: Marc Andre Belanger | July 21, 2006 02:47 PM

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