Unfolding the Unforeseen DeLeon Legacy: The iGENEA DNA Test Experience
Family name deLeon
I recently embarked on a journey of ancestral exploration using the iGENEA DNA test. Little did I know, this expedition would not just cast light on my deLeon lineage but would also overturn previously accepted familial narratives. Discovering my deep-seated roots in the heartlands of Spain, to finding traces of an unexpected Jewish ancestry, the test brought forth a cascade of surprises.
The analysis initially confirmed what my family’s oral history had always maintained - our roots burrow deep into the Spanish soil. Raised on stories about our Castilian ancestry, it was a pleasing, albeit unsurprising, revelation of our descent from the noble deLeon family. Historical archives my family has, linked us as direct descendants of Ferdinand III, the Saint, known for his reconquista campaigns.
However, the DNA test sprung an unexpected revelation - an invisible thread connecting me to the Sephardic Jewish community. Unheard of in my family sphere, the undeniable genetic evidence highlighted traces of Jewish genes from around the 15th century. It was astonishing to learn about our Jewish ancestry since the deLeon name is intrinsically associated with Catholic nobility.
Further research led me to the era of Spanish Inquisition and the forced conversions of Jews to Christianity, who were often nobles retaining their status. This implies my deLeon ancestors might have been among these 'conversos,' preserving their prestige while silently embracing the dichotomy of religious identity-a true testament to their courage.
Lastly, another surprise was our genetic link to North Africa. A small percentage of Berber DNA found suggested possible connections dating back to the Moorish occupation of Spain. It manifested the complicated history of my forebears, interwoven with war, religion, and dramatic societal shifts, highlighting a far more coalescing narrative than I initially anticipated.
This journey into my past shattered preconceived notions about our family history, unmasking the rich, intricate tapestry of humanity coursing through my veins. Armed with a richer understanding of my lineage, I now look towards the horizon of my ancestry, ready to unravel more unexplored depths of my heritage. iGENEA DNA test has indeed been a revelation, uncovering surprises that have painted my 'deLeon' lineage in new, unanticipated colours.
M. deLeon