Ancient DNA in the time of Stonehenge

What can ancient DNA tell us about how people lived in the time of Stonehenge?

From diet to migration, the study of ancient DNA is providing new information about the lives of those in the Stonehenge landscape and beyond. In this event, chaired by Andrew Fitzpatrick, we hear from experts in this field:

Tom Booth will briefly discuss what we have learnt from the analysis of DNA from skeletons found in the Stonehenge landscape; and how they fit into national patterns of genetic change we see at the beginning of the Neolithic and Bronze Age. The patterns of genetic ancestry and relatedness among these burials, including certain groups of close relatives, throw up questions about who was responsible for the various phases of Stonehenge and why they chose to remodel parts of the monument.

Joanna Brück will talk about some of the challenges of reconciling the archaeological and genetic evidence for the period, exploring how genetic ancestry and social identity intersected in complex and variable ways.

Read our blog and find out more about the ancient stone circle from Jennifer Wexler, Project Curator of The world of Stonehenge exhibition.

This event is part of the public programme accompanying The world of Stonehenge at the British Museum (17 February – 17 July).

Please note that the presentations will contain images of human remains. The Museum is committed to curating the human remains in its collection with care, respect and dignity. The Museum has developed a policy that outlines the principles governing the respectful and lawful holding, display, study and care of human remains in the Museum's collection.

To attend this online event

Book now to secure your place. We're hosting the event on Zoom – a free video conferencing system that requires users to register in advance. If you do not already use Zoom, you can sign up using this registration link.

If the event is fully booked, or you do not wish to use Zoom, you can also watch the event – as well as other events in the series – streamed on the Museum's events YouTube channel.

This event includes live captioning provided by Stagetext and delivered by MyClearText.

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Read our statement on human remains at the Museum