Scientists have recently made important discoveries about the so-called “first black Briton.” The remains, called the “Beachy Head Lady,” were unearthed in 2012 in East Sussex. Initially, researchers believed she might have come from sub-Saharan Africa. This view shaped her identity as one of the earliest Africans in Britain.
However, new DNA analysis shows that she likely had closer genetic ties to people from rural Britain. Researchers found she had pale to dark skin, blue eyes, and possibly lighter hair. This contradicts earlier images that suggested she had black curly hair and dark skin.
The Beachy Head Lady lived during Roman times, between 129 and 311 AD, and was around 18 to 25 years old at her death. The research suggests she may have been born in a coastal area, possibly Cyprus, rather than directly from Africa. Many media outlets and academic resources covered her story when she was first identified, but later studies have reshaped our understanding of her origins.
Experts believe the advanced DNA testing techniques used in this study have provided clearer insights. The Lady’s diet was likely rich in fish, supporting the idea that she lived near the coast. The recent findings highlight the ongoing evolution of our understanding of history as new evidence comes to light.
For more details, you can check the research published in the Journal of Archaeological Science here.
