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 significant discovery was made about Cheddar Man's appearance?

What role did Dr. Tom Booth play in the study of Cheddar Man?

How has the understanding of Cheddar Man's ancestry changed perceptions of racial history in Britain?

In what ways does the discovery of Cheddar Man challenge historical narratives about race in Britain?

What implications does Cheddar Man's skin color have on the concept of indigenous identity in Britain?