DNA Shows Man a Descendant of Genghis Khan

Tom Robinson while visiting Juneau, Alaska on Thursday May 25, 2006. Tom Robinson had long wondered about his family tree. He never suspected its roots might lie in the Mongolian steppe. The Florida accountant knew that his great, great-grandfather had come to the United States from England _ but beyond that his research drew a blank. So he turned to the burgeoning field of "bioarchaeology," having his DNA tested to see what it revealed about his origins. He was in for a surprise. According to a British geneticist who pioneered the research, Robinson appears to be a direct descendant of Genghis Khan, the Mongol warrior who conquered vast tracts of Asia and Europe in the 13th century. (AP Photo/David J. Sheakley) (David J. Sheakley - AP)

Robinson, an associate professor of accountancy at the University of Miami, said he hoped to travel to Mongolia next year.

He's begun to wonder about similarities between himself and his purported ancestor. He has no military background, but says he is comfortable in a leadership role.

"When I practiced as a CPA I ran the department."

And, like any self-respecting Mongolian, he can ride a horse.

"I can, though I don't often do it. You don't get much chance to ride a horse in Florida."

__

On the Net:

Oxford Ancestors: http://www.oxfordancestors.com