Cheddar Man: First modern Briton had dark skin and blue eyes, DNA analysis shows

Cheddar Man, a 10,000-year-old skeleton displayed at the Natural History Museum in London, has reshaped our understanding of ancient British ancestry. Initially thought to be white with straight hair, DNA analysis revealed he was Black with curly hair. This discovery, led by Dr. Tom Booth, suggests Cheddar Man could be an ancestor to many people today. A 3D model of Cheddar Man was created, altering perceptions of Britain's racial history. Social historian Afua Hirsch highlights the discovery's potential to change views on British history and challenge notions of indigenous identity. Cheddar Man's significance continues to grow over a century after his discovery.

What was the initial belief about Cheddar Man's appearance?

• He was thought to be Middle-Eastern with no hair.

• He was thought to be Asian with wavy hair.

• He was thought to be white with straight hair.

• He was thought to be Black with curly hair.

What did Dr. Tom Booth's DNA analysis reveal about Cheddar Man?

• He was only related to people in Africa.

• He was not related to any modern humans.

• He was likely an ancestor to many people alive today.

• He was a unique species with no descendants.

How did the 3D model of Cheddar Man change perceptions?

• It showed he had blue eyes.

• It showed he was much taller than expected.

• It confirmed he had a beard.

• It depicted him with dark skin.

What does Afua Hirsch suggest about the impact of Cheddar Man's discovery?

• It suggests Britain was always a homogeneous society.

• It confirms the superiority of indigenous British people.

• It highlights a previously unknown area of history.

• It will have no impact on British history.

What historical period does Afua Hirsch mention as being cosmopolitan?

• The Medieval era

• The Roman era

• The Victorian era

• The Industrial era