The First Rosentreter

A Theoretical Study

Who was the first Rosentreter?

Disclaimer: This theoretical study has been prepared using the best information found to date, but should not be considered as totally factual.

The first Rosentreter was:

• most likely a Saxon,
• a trader and warrior,
• between 5′ 7″ (170cm) & 5′ 10″ (178cm),
• fair complexion,
• blue eyes, and
• fair hair.

His name may have been granted by nobility or it may have been a nickname.

He most likely lived around Bremen in Germany in the early 12th century and his name in Low German would have been spelt ‘Rosentrede’.

Rationale & Research

There are a number of clues to this theory:

1. A recent poll of living Rosentreter’s revealed that 90% had either Blue, Green or Hazel coloured eyes. This is curious as the most common eye colour in the world (representing over 50% of the population) is Brown. Green is the least common eye colour and it is found most frequently in northern and central Europe. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have found that everyone with Blue eyes (which accounted for 50% in our family survey) descended from the same single person about 6,000 to 10,000 years ago. They believe that this individual was the first person with the genetic mutation that prevented him from making melanin, the pigment that makes eyes brown, in his eyes. They were able to trace this gene to the region around the Black Sea.
2. There is a high percentage of male family members over the age of 50 who exhibit signs of Dupuytren’s Contracture (Vikings Disease). This condition, in which one or more fingers become permanently bent in a flexed position, is more common among those of Nordic descent. In the United States about 5% of people are affected at some point in time, while in Norway about 30% of men over 60 years old have the condition.
3. DNA testing has revealed at least 65% of living Rosentreter’s DNA originates in Western Europe (Scandinavia & Central Europe). When Eastern Europe is added, the origins show over 95%. This would make sense as we know the family spread from Western Europe into Eastern Europe with the rise of the Prussian Empire. It also shows a small percentage from the Black Sea area which may relate to the Blue eyes.
4. Historical Military Records show average heights of Rosentreter’s between 5′ 7″ (170cm) & 5′ 10″ (178cm), with ‘solid’ or ‘stocky’ build, fair complexion and fair or brown hair.
5. Saxons were the original tribe in the area we find the earliest Rosentreters. Read more here.
6. The earliest recorded spelling is that of an Ecbert Rosentrede in Bremen, Germany in 1262. Dialects spoken in the 11th-15th centuries in the area were Low German/Low Saxon where ‘trede’ is dialect for ‘treten’ which can mean to step (on), to walk (on), or to kick. This may have been a nickname for someone who was battle accomplished or a great warrior and regularly fêted by the population with roses thrown in his path.
   

Roger James Rosentreter *12 Sep 1962 [I0173] – FTDNA – Origins Map

(Last Update – 16 March 2021) This is a work in progress and more information will be added as it is discovered. If you have additional information, please email us.