Part 2/9:
The origins of the Roma are still shrouded in mystery. They have been present in Europe since at least the 13th century, but many inhabitants of the Balkans were unaware of their distinct ethnic identity. The earliest encounters of Europeans with the Roma coincided with the conflicts between the Seljuk Turks and the Byzantines, leading to misunderstandings where they were often mistaken for Turks. Over time, as their presence became more established, they were referred to by various names, such as “atsingani” in Greek, which translates to “untouchable.”