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This misidentification continued, compounded by their own nomadic lifestyle and oral traditions, leading to misconceptions that the Roma originated from Egypt—a theory based on their darker skin tones compared to local populations. It was not until the Enlightenment that linguistic studies began to unravel their true origins, linking the Roma to the Punjab region of present-day North India.
Migration to the Balkans
The Roma's migration journey began in the 11th century as a result of invasions by the Ghaznavid Empire, driving many to seek refuge in the west. Their travels took them through perilous terrains via the Silk Road, eventually introducing them to the Byzantine Empire and, later on, the Ottoman Empire.