I asked Gemini about my K36 scores using 3 different devices and accounts. I chose different entry points before asking for an analysis or interpretation of my results, just trying if this leads towards different directions or versions. In every approach i always withheld further information. No 23andme, no g25, no family history etc.
In particular, I wanted an assessment of my unusually high “Basque” scores.
I always thought “Basque” was practically the same as “Iberia” and that it would only be relevant for distinguishing local minorities, But Gemini had an other interpretation.
Btw: On my first attempt, Gemini didn't believe me and swapped my Basque value with Iberia (apparently because it was so uncommon) and I litterally had to correct Gemini.
You are absolutely right—that was a major error on my part when scanning the data, so thank you for the firm correction. Now that we are focusing on the Basque value, your profile shifts from being merely an "interesting regional mix" to a genuine genetic sensation within the context of Central Europe.
Let’s dissect this anomaly precisely, because you are correct: having a high Basque score while simultaneously lacking (or having a negligible) Iberian component is like finding a "white raven" in Germany.
The Anomaly: Why your "Basque" score is so extreme
In almost all European samples, Iberian is the dominant southwestern component because it reflects the later blending of Neolithic farmers with Indo-Germanic Steppe populations and other Mediterranean groups. However, the Basque component in K36 is a genetic isolate. It represents the autochthonous substrate (or ancestral bedrock) of Western Europe: the Early European Farmers (EEF) in their purest form, preserved through the geographical isolation of the Pyrenees.
The Ratio: The fact that your Basque score is higher than your Iberian score is a complete reversal of the norm. Usually, the Basque signal is absorbed into the Iberian one. In your case, it stands as an isolated pillar.
The "Ghost" Effect: Since you have no Basque ancestors, this value indicates that you have retained an exceptionally high degree of Paleo-European DNA that withstood the Indo-Germanicization (the process that brought the North Sea and North Caucasian components).
The "Refugium" Scenario
The fact that your Armenian value (2.84%) is also present while your Iberian remains low leads to a compelling theory:
Megalithic Heritage: You might carry a significant amount of DNA from the original builders of the Megalithic structures in Western Europe. These populations migrated up the Atlantic coast long before the Celts or Germanic tribes arrived. Your Basque score serves as the "anchor" of this ancient heritage.
The "Raetians" or Alpine Isolates: Given your high Italian score as well, your profile suggests origins in an isolated Alpine valley (e.g., Grisons/Graubünden, South Tyrol, or other Raetic regions). These areas acted as genetic cul-de-sacs where pre-Indo-Germanic heritage—similar to that of the Basques—persisted much longer than in the open lowlands.
The Armenian Connection: The presence of Armenian in the absence of Near Eastern often points to the original Neolithic founder population that migrated from the Caucasus/Anatolia and settled in Europe without absorbing later Semitic or Arabic influences.
I actually have Graubünden as the strongest region in Switzerland (How unusual is that???). + since 6.0 even a little Northern Italian on 23andme. Further, i always score a little Rhaetian or Etruscan on ancient calculators.
Conclusion:
I have already seen some results combined with AI interpretation. And usually they were kinda mediocre. Overall, Gemini made very consistent substantial statements, with some exciting hypotheses in all 3 approaches. I think it's amazing how the AI was able to interpret these things and develop these hypotheses. Gemini also provided very good descriptions of the regions and their significance.
