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Roman-Era skeleton of a youth Woman It was once believed to be one of the earliest known Black Britons and may have originated in southern England, new research suggests.
archaeologist trying to solve the mystery of beach head Since his skeleton was discovered in a box in the basement Eastbourne Town Hall in 2012.
Of earlier dna Analysis revealed that she may have recent sub-Saharan ancestry, before later research indicated that she was from Cyprus.
But new research using the latest DNA sequencing techniques has placed the Beachy Head woman’s lineage much closer to home.
Dr. William Marsh, one of the scientists who studied her DNA, said, “Using cutting-edge DNA techniques and the newly published genome, we were able to determine the Beachy Head Woman’s ancestry with much greater precision than before.”
“We show that she has a genetic ancestry that is similar to other individuals from local populations of Roman-era Britain.”
The puzzle of her origins has been closely watched for more than a decade after scientists suggested she may be the earliest evidence of African presence in Britain.
This claim featured in historian David Olusoga’s 2016 BBC series Black and British: A Forgotten History, but was later dropped when new research emerged.
Archaeologists then believed that she might have come from the Mediterranean or possibly Cyprus, but this discovery was based on poorly preserved DNA and was left unpublished.
Teams have now re-examined the 2000-year-old skeleton and its DNA with new technology. Analysis revealed that she was approximately 18 to 25 years old when she died and was probably more than four feet nine inches tall. A wound on his leg has also healed, suggesting a serious but non-fatal injury occurred at some time long before his death.
Forensic analysis estimated that she may have had light skin, blue eyes and blonde hair.
The skeleton also contains some clues as to what the Beachy Head woman might have been eating. Scientists said the levels of carbon and nitrogen in her bones showed that her diet probably included a lot of seafood.
Dr Selina Brace, an ancient DNA expert at the Natural History Museum and senior author of the research, said the skeleton’s changing story represents the natural process of science.
“Our scientific knowledge and understanding is constantly evolving, and as scientists, it is our job to keep striving for answers. Thanks to the advances in technology that have occurred over the past decade since the Beachy Head Woman first came to light, we are excited to report these new comprehensive data and share more about this individual and her life.”