Who was Beachy Head Woman according to new DNA analysis?

New DNA analysis confirms Beachy Head Woman descended from the local British population of Roman-era southern England.

What did previous theories suggest about Beachy Head Woman's origins?

Previous theories suggested Beachy Head Woman was from sub-Saharan Africa or, more recently, from southern Europe like Cyprus.

How old is the Beachy Head Woman skeleton?

The skeletal remains of Beachy Head Woman date back approximately 2,000 years, to the Roman occupation of Britain.

Home / Science / DNA reveals: 'First Black Briton' was local

DNA reveals: 'First Black Briton' was local

17 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Beachy Head Woman skeleton is 2,000 years old.
New DNA analysis shows she descended from local Britons.
Previous theories suggested African or Mediterranean origins.

DNA reveals: 'First Black Briton' was local

Recent DNA analysis of the 'Beachy Head Woman' skeleton, approximately 2,000 years old, has overturned previous theories about her origins. Initially thought to be from sub-Saharan Africa and even celebrated as the 'first black Briton', and later speculated to be from southern Europe, new comprehensive studies indicate she was of local British ancestry.

The skeletal remains, discovered in 2012 and dated to between 129 and 311 AD during the Roman occupation of Britain, were meticulously examined using state-of-the-art DNA techniques. These advanced analyses demonstrated a strong genetic affinity with individuals from Roman-era Britain and modern-day Britons, conclusively dispelling earlier hypotheses.

This groundbreaking research, conducted by archaeologists from the Natural History Museum and University College London, provides a clearer picture of this ancient individual. She is now understood to have had blue eyes, light hair, and intermediate skin pigmentation, differing significantly from earlier facial reconstructions.