Waterproof, Author at waterproofmedia

It all started with a simple question from my son Bobby: "Dad, where do we actually come from?" That question sent me on a fascinating journey of discovery, leading to unexpected revelations, a deeper understanding of my heritage, and a glimpse into a past far more extensive than I had ever imagined. What began as mere curiosity quickly turned into an in-depth exploration of my family tree, revealing that my ancestry was intertwined with some of the most significant figures in history.

DNA vs. Family Tree Research: Two Very Different Methods

As I delved into my ancestry, I quickly realized that there are two main ways to explore family history: DNA matches and family tree research. Both offer fascinating insights, but they work in completely different ways and require different approaches.

DNA Matches: From a “Predictable” Story to a Global Perspective

At first, my DNA research seemed somewhat... boring. It showed that most of my genetic relatives were from Western Europe and Scandinavia—hardly surprising given my Dutch background. It felt almost too expected, as if my roots had always been neatly confined to these regions.

But as I looked deeper, I realized this was only the tip of the iceberg. These people—the Vikings, the Normans, the medieval nobles—didn’t just stay in one place. They were travelers, conquerors, merchants, and rulers, shaping history across entire continents. What seemed like a simple regional ancestry actually told a much larger, interconnected story.

Here’s a glimpse of where my DNA relatives are located:

Netherlands – 2,936 matches
United States – 1,856 matches
Germany – 782 matches
United Kingdom – 684 matches
Denmark – 286 matches
Sweden – 268 matches
France – 234 matches
Norway – 220 matches
Belgium – 175 matches
Turkey, Greece, and Israel – unexpected traces leading to Byzantine and Crusader ancestry

This was a wake-up call: My ancestors weren’t just from one place—they had roamed the world, shaping history far beyond what I had imagined.

Building a Family Tree: A Puzzle with Missing Pieces

While a DNA test provides a great starting point, it doesn’t tell the full story of how my family moved through history. For that, I had to build my family tree, which turned out to be an entirely different challenge.

Websites like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, and MyHeritage offer extensive archives of historical records, but building a family tree is far from easy. Family lines almost never continue seamlessly, and many historical records are incomplete, inaccurate, or even contradictory.

Dates often don’t match up, names are misspelled, and key records are missing. I spent countless hours cross-referencing sources, reading old documents, and reconstructing family connections. But slowly, the puzzle pieces started coming together, and the discoveries I made were astonishing.

My Ancestors: From Viking Warriors to Byzantine Royalty

My journey led me to an impressive array of ancestors, spanning different time periods and continents. Here are some of the most fascinating figures I uncovered:

Rollo of Normandy (860-931, Normandy, France)

Rollo, also known as Robert of Normandy, was a Viking leader and the first Duke of Normandy. His descendants would later influence the English royal family through William the Conqueror. Rollo is my 27th great-grandfather, making him a key link to my Nordic heritage.

Charlemagne (742-814, Aachen, Germany)

Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, was the first Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and one of the most influential rulers in European history. He is my 32nd great-grandfather, and it is fascinating to see how far his bloodline has spread.

Wolfger van Amstel (1075-1131, Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Wolfger was a medieval nobleman and an early ruler in the Amsterdam region. His family played a role in the early development of the city. His descendants would later hold prominent positions in Dutch history.

Wala de Bobbio (754-836, Bobbio, Italy)

This name was a surprise. Wala de Bobbio was a medieval priest and scholar, connected to Charlemagne’s court and later associated with the Abbey of Bobbio in Italy. His intellectual contributions to the Carolingian Renaissance link my lineage to the world of medieval monasticism and scholarship.

Baldwin II of Jerusalem (1056-1131, Jerusalem, Israel)

One of the most unexpected discoveries was Baldwin II, a leader during the Crusades and the second king of Jerusalem. More importantly, he was one of the founders of the Knights Templar, an organization that has fascinated historians for centuries. It’s incredible to think that my bloodline connects to a figure so deeply embedded in both medieval warfare and myth.

Maria de Jerusalem, Princesse Byzantine (born Komnene) (1154-1217, Istanbul, Turkey)

Tracing my roots even further east, I found a direct ancestor in Maria Komnene, a Byzantine princess born in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). She was part of the Byzantine imperial family and later became involved in the Crusader states of the Holy Land. Through her, my ancestry ties into the grandeur of the Byzantine Empire, one of the most sophisticated civilizations of the medieval world.

What This Journey Has Taught Me

Beyond the impressive names and royal titles, this journey was mainly about understanding my family’s path—the challenges they faced, the lives they built, and the legacy they left behind.

These discoveries gave me a much greater appreciation for history, but also for my own life. The resilience and determination of my ancestors—from Viking warriors to Byzantine princesses—reminded me that the same strength runs through my DNA.

Moreover, this experience brought me and my son Bobby closer together. His curiosity sparked this entire journey, and sharing these discoveries with him has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

The Power of Family History

Whether you choose a DNA test or dive deep into archives to build your family tree, uncovering your ancestry is a journey worth taking.

What started as a simple Western European and Scandinavian story turned into a global epic, stretching from Viking longships to Byzantine palaces, from Crusader fortresses to medieval monasteries.

My search is far from over. If history has taught me anything, it’s that every discovery leads to new questions. And I can’t wait to keep exploring.

Pieter Vijgeboom

In the digital age, we often find ourselves on the hunt for information, and two heavyweights have emerged in this arena: Google Search and GPTSearch. Each brings its own unique flair to the quest for knowledge, sparking a friendly rivalry that keeps users intrigued. Google Search has long been the go-to tool for sifting through the vast seas of the internet, while GPTSearch, powered by advanced AI, offers a fresh, conversational twist. Join us as we explore the strengths and quirks of these two champions in the ultimate showdown of minds!

Google Search: The Classic Champion of Information Hunt!

Google Search is the trusty steed of the information age, galloping through billions of web pages at lightning speed to deliver answers with unrivaled efficiency. Enter your query, and voilà! In just milliseconds, you’re met with a treasure trove of links, images, and snippets that cater to your every whim. Its vast index of the internet means that no stone is left unturned, making it the reliable companion for everything from casual trivia to in-depth research projects.

What sets Google apart is its unwavering commitment to delivering relevant results. With algorithms designed to interpret context, understand language intricacies, and recognize user intent, Google Search is like a seasoned librarian, skillfully navigating the library of the web. Moreover, features like featured snippets and knowledge panels provide instant answers at a glance, allowing users to spend less time searching and more time enjoying the bounty of information at their fingertips.

Yet, despite its prowess, Google can sometimes feel a bit impersonal. While it excels at delivering facts, it lacks the charm of a warm conversation. Users may find themselves sifting through a plethora of links, which, while informative, can lead to an overwhelming experience. It’s like being handed a stack of encyclopedias when all you wanted was a quick chat with a knowledgeable friend. Nevertheless, as the classic champion, Google Search continues to reign supreme, proving its mettle in the relentless pursuit of information.

GPTSearch: The Whimsical Wizard of Conversational Queries!

Enter GPTSearch, the enchantingly conversational wizard that adds a sprinkle of magic to the search experience! Unlike traditional search engines, GPTSearch thrives on dialogue, transforming dry queries into engaging conversations. Imagine asking a question and receiving not just a list of links but a friendly response that feels like chatting with a knowledgeable companion! The ability to understand context and nuance is where GPTSearch truly shines, making it especially delightful for those who love exploring topics in depth.

With its advanced AI capabilities, GPTSearch can provide tailored responses based on your previous questions, allowing for a rich tapestry of knowledge to unfold. Gone are the days of terse answers; instead, GPTSearch crafts responses that are insightful and often laced with a dash of humor. Need to brainstorm ideas or clarify a complex topic? Just ask! You’ll be met with an interactive experience that feels less like a search and more like a delightful dialogue—perfect for curious minds eager to dive into the depths of knowledge.

However, while GPTSearch brings an element of whimsy and personality to the table, it may not always match the breadth of information that Google offers. The conversational nature can lead to occasional misinterpretations, and its responses may lack the rigor and depth found in traditional search results. Still, for those seeking a more engaging and interactive search journey, GPTSearch is the whimsical wizard ready to guide you through an enchanting world of information, one question at a time!

In the grand showdown of Google Search versus GPTSearch, each contender brings its unique charm and strengths to the table. Google Search, the classic champion, boasts unparalleled speed and a vast repository of information, while GPTSearch, the whimsical wizard, captivates users with its conversational approach and engaging dialogue. Whether you prefer the efficiency of a traditional search engine or the enchanting touch of AI-driven conversation, both platforms have their merits, making the quest for knowledge a delightful adventure! Choose your champion, and let the search for information begin!