GYPSY HISTORY: European Romani exodus began 1,500 years ago, DNA evidence shows. “Despite their modern-day diversity of language, lifestyle, and religion, Europe’s widespread Romani population shares a common, if complex, past. It all began in northwestern India about 1,500 years ago, according to a study reported on December 6th in Current Biology, a Cell Press publication, that offers the first genome-wide perspective on Romani origins and demographic history. The Romani represent the largest minority group in Europe, consisting of approximately 11 million people. That means the size of the Romani population rivals that of several European countries, including Greece, Portugal, and Belgium. . . . Once in Europe, Romani people began settling in various locations, likely spreading across Europe via the Balkan region about 900 years ago.”