Beachy Head Woman, a Roman-era skeleton once thought to be the earliest known black Briton, has a new story. Recent DNA analysis shows she actually came from southern England, not sub-Saharan Africa or Cyprus, as previously suggested.
In 2012, her remains were discovered in Eastbourne. Initially, researchers believed her skull indicated African ancestry, leading to a plaque being placed in her honor in 2016. Over time, doubts arose about this identification. Dr. Selina Brace, from the Natural History Museum, noted, “She’s had quite a journey,” emphasizing how science evolves our understanding of history.
New techniques in DNA analysis allowed scientists to gather a clearer genetic profile from her remains. This advanced method, known as capture arrays, significantly improved the quality of the DNA they could analyze. The results showed she belonged to the local population of Roman-era southern England, altering the narrative surrounding her identity.
Experts like Prof. Caroline Wilkinson, who performed the initial analysis, contributed to this shift. She pointed out that the old method of determining ancestry based on skull features has limitations. Advances in genetics now provide more precise insights.
Beachy Head Woman lived between AD 129 and 311. She was likely around 18 to 25 years old and about 5 feet tall. Analysis of her diet, rich in seafood, hints at her close ties to the local area. A healed leg wound suggests she experienced a significant injury but survived.
In light of these findings, the earlier plaque was removed. This change reflects a broader trend in archaeology and history: our understanding is always evolving as new discoveries are made.
It’s a reminder that heritage is complex. The past offers many stories, but with each new piece of evidence, those stories can shift. For those interested in ancient British history, these developments showcase the fascinating interplay between science and our understanding of identity.
For a more detailed exploration, check the findings published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.
