Unraveling My Ancient Ancestry: The Unforeseen Journey of the Alonzo Lineage
Family name Alonzo
A simple DNA test at iGENEA altered my understanding of my ancestry and lineage. The unexpected insights revealed the migration patterns of my ancestors, named Alonzo, connecting me to a rich historical tapestry that has reshaped my identity and sense of belonging.
My journey with iGENEA has been a transformative one, especially regarding my understanding of my ancestorial lineage. Upon receiving my DNA results, I was astonished by the wealth of knowledge hidden in my genetic code. I learned that Alonzo, a name that has recurred for generations in my family, offers much more than traditional lineage it represents.
Unsurprisingly, the Alonzos in my family were of European descent. However, I was intrigued to learn that they didn't originate from Spain, as traditionally associated with the name, but instead, from a small region in northern Italy.
Given our strong affinity towards Spanish culture, I was puzzled by this revelation. An unexpected insight was the high concentration of Etruscan traces found in my DNA, implying that my ancestors likely dwelled within the artistic and cultural hub of ancient Etruscans, placed in Italy, thousands of years ago.
With DNA analysis, iGENEA showed me how migration patterns further influenced the genetic cocktail that characterizes me today. My ancestors, the Italian Alonzos, eventually migrated into Spain and assimilated into the local culture, hence the Spanish deviation of our family name.
The discovery has reshaped my understanding of my identity. While I initially identified strongly with Spanish culture, I have since come to embrace the rich mosaic that is my true heritage. I have developed new appreciation for Italian history, even starting to learn the Italian language. It has provoked a change in perspective, from viewing history as a linear progression to understanding it as an interwoven melody of cultures, migrations, and genetic imprints.
Additionally, it is illuminating to understand the migration patterns, the risks and decisions taken by ancestors, and the cultural changes they underwent. The DNA test has not merely presented me with a past, but it has verbalized a rich and diverse story of my ancestors, which I now cherish greatly.
This experience has not only enhanced my perception of history and culture but also introduced a deeper personal understanding and a fresh perspective of what it means to be a part of the global human family. I now carry these fragments of history with pride, imbuing me with a sense of belonging, enriched by the vivid narratives of my ancestors, the Alonzos.
Z. Alonzo