Findings of new ancestral links are always fascinating. As we gain more knowledge of how individuals lived centuries ago, we are sure to learn specific details of how connected we are to those who lived before us.
New information released on Wednesday suggests that first generation Britons were dark-skinned. A detailed DNA analysis of a fossil named “Cheddar Man” concluded the findings. Cheddar Man was said to have lived after settlers moved from continental Europe to Britain at the end of the ice age.
Cheddar Man’s remains were initially exhumed in Gough’s Cave in Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England in 1903. In 1996, Bryan Sykes – Emeritus Professor of Human Genetics at Oxford University analyzed DNA extracted from Cheddar Man’s molars; he also analyzed a 12,000-year-old tooth found in the same cave as Cheddar Man. It was ascertained that Cheddar Man belonged to Haplogroup U5. According to The Guardian, 10 percent of Britain’s population belong to the aforementioned group.
A further investigation by Tom Booth – an archaeologist at the Natural History Museum along with a team assigned to the project uncovered the deeper truth of Cheddar Man’s lineage. Booth commented, “It really shows up that these imaginary racial categories that we have are really very modern constructions, or very recent constructions, that really are not applicable to the past at all.” British is often synonymous with Anglo-Saxon heritage. Nevertheless, Yoan Diekmann another member of the project confirmed by stating being White and British is “not an immutable truth. It has always changed and will change.”
The team of investigators were able to gather the conclusive DNA findings by drilling a hole in the skull of Cheddar Man and extracting the DNA material from the powder residue of the skull. The testing was specific to DNA markers of skin color, hair color and texture, and eye color. Cheddar Man was determined to be African and having possibly emigrated to the Middle East and then into Europe before finally arriving in England. The testing also eliminated Cheddar Man’s relation to the dwellers of Gough’s Cave.
The current findings will surely open the door to even more discoveries. Black history is truly worldwide.
Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles decided to commemorate her first wedding anniversary to NFL star…
Authorities in Pennsylvania have arrested and charged a 26-year-old man who was seen allegedly attempting…
British female darts player Deta Hedman withdrew from the Denmark Open over the weekend after…
A New York-based Ghanaian couple accused of fatally beating their 5-year-old son was on May…
Former beauty queen Elizabeth Hunterton, who was abandoned in an airport as a newborn in…
It was an act of goodwill with no intended expectation in mind. Donating his only…
Get to know Ms. Catherine Kuupol, a mineral engineer who has provided metallurgical technical services…
Yves-Ann Comeau, 18, is gaining attention for her recent accomplishment of being accepted into 17…
Lawyers say they are considering a boycott of a court following an incident where up…
Larry Demeritte is the first Caribbean trainer to participate in the Kentucky Derby and the…
She is celebrated globally for her groundbreaking work across the music and movie industry. But,…
The family of an aspiring medical doctor is seeking justice after he was left brain-dead…
Once more, popular 97-year-old activist Opal Lee has received honor; this time, the President of…
A Florida woman described as a career shoplifter was handed a 30-year prison sentence after…
The city of Cleveland, Ohio, has reached a $4.8 million settlement with the family of…