Every person has an image of themselves, their ancestors, and, more broadly, their genealogy. This image was shaped during their upbringing, by the stories told by their parents, grandparents, and elders; by the traditions, customs, and habits they became familiar with and possibly adopted; as well as by the history they learned at school and elsewhere about the origin of the community they believe they belong to.

For us Greeks, the concept of national origin and the idea of direct continuity from ancient to modern Greece are usually considered very important. The History lessons at school and the perceptions with which we grew up contribute to this. However, what exactly does this continuity consist of? On one hand, it is a cultural continuity, centered on the Greek language. It is also a geographical continuity, as the most significant historical events of Ancient Greece took place in the area of modern Greece. Recently, however, another form of continuity has been added to the discussion, which many believe definitively confirms the connection between ancient and modern Greeks: continuity through DNA.

This book attempts to clarify the relationship between DNA and national identity. Through a detailed examination of relevant scientific studies and an interdisciplinary analysis of the subject, it seeks to verify the validity of claims such as "Greek DNA." Furthermore, it aims to answer questions like: What can – and what can’t – DNA data tell us? Are genetic ethnicities something real? Can DNA truly shed light on our true origin? This book comes to clarify for all of us exactly what we can, and what we cannot, learn from DNA about who we really are.