southern italians are considered a mixture of middle eastern?

Question

I've read that somewhere, is it true?

Answer 1

the south of Italy was the entrance to Europe for a lot of middle easterners also when Rome ruled the world part of the loot were women to serve as salves and concubines therefore the mixing of races.

Answer 2

I've never heard of this, but Sicillians (that huge island the Italian "boot" seems to be kicking) aren't often considered to be Italian by other Italians. THe reason is that Sicilly, for a huge portion of time, was considered a part of Africa. During the time of Rome, Sicily went back and forth between the Romans and the Carthaginians (North Africans). As a result, a lot of African blood was mixed into the Sicillian gene pool, which is why they tend to have darker hair and skin.

Answer 3

Mainly by Greeks, since old-old times ago. Then from Spanish people, some Knights and very few arabs. But mainly from Greeks, 2000 years ago. Trojans were a greek tribe and when they got to Lazio and formed Rome, they were mixted up with the indigens, Etruscans and gave birth to the Romans.
But still in nowadays, the Southern Italy and Sicily are inhabited from greeks and italians (etruscans).
Ciao.......John-John.

Answer 4

Probably because Venice was known for trading with the Middle East, many Venetians do look Middle Eastern. The Venetian architecture also has Middle Eastern influences as well.

Answer 5

Some parts of Italy's southern regions were Arab colonies for some time and there were trade relations between MD and those regions.