A genetic disorder can be defined as an illness that is brought on due to certain changes taking place in the genes and/or chromosomes.

While diseases like cancer can be caused to changes and alterations in the genes, they can also be caused due to certain environmental factors. However, scientists believe that genetic disorders are rare as they are present in a small percentage of people.Though scientists have only been able to find out about genetic disorders over the last century, we know that the disorders have been present for a long time. In fact, if we look at the history of genetic disorders, you will see that ancient Egypt and Britain are in the forefront. The Royal Families in both the kingdoms were affected by genetic disorders, and as a result the lines of succession were changed.

According to anthropologists, Akhenaten, the king of ancient Egypt, most probably suffered from Marfan's syndrome, which is a genetic disorder. Marfan's syndrome causes elongated limbs, and Ankenaten has been portrayed in art as have elongated legs and face. It is believed that even Tutankhamun inherited Marfan's syndrome. According to anthrologists, the dynasty in ancient Egypt came to an end due to genetic disorders, which were the result of inter-marriages taking place within the family.

Several family members of Queen Victoria, whose reign extended from 1837 to 1901, suffered from hemophilia, which is again a genetic disorder passed from the mother to the male child.

Even the colonization of Africa by the Europeans was affected by genetic disorders. Even today, many African Americans suffer from sickle cell anemia, which is a genetic disorder. Also, many African-Americans carry the gene for this disorder.

History of genetic disorders shows that some countries even pass laws making it a criminal offense for people with genetic disorders to procreate!

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