Genealogia

Genealogia is the study of family history and lines of descent, aiming to identify ancestors and reconstruct family trees. It covers individuals, families, and populations, and may extend to ethnic or regional origins. The term is derived from Greek genea 'generation' and logos 'study.'

Researchers gather records from civil registries, church books (baptisms, marriages, burials), census data, wills and probate, land deeds, military files, immigration and naturalization papers, newspapers, and guardianship or adoption records. Information is evaluated for reliability, and relationships are represented in charts such as pedigrees or family trees. Modern genealogical practice emphasizes source criticism, documentation, and reproducibility.

DNA testing has expanded genealogical methods through genetic genealogy. Autosomal DNA provides relationships across many generations, while Y-DNA and mtDNA trace paternal and maternal lines respectively. Combined with traditional records, genetic data can confirm or raise questions about genealogical hypotheses. Online databases and archives, along with citizen archivist communities, facilitate discovery, but researchers should verify data against primary sources and respect privacy and consent when involving living individuals.

Applications include personal identity, heritage research, historical demographics, and the study of migration patterns. Genealogia intersects with anthropology, sociology, and heraldry in some contexts. Professional genealogists may follow standards for citing sources and presenting arguments, and many countries host genealogical societies, archives, and libraries that support research.