Sunday 31 March 2024

Cheddar Man, the oldest complete human skeleton found in the British Isles

Cheddar Man, the oldest complete human skeleton found in the British Isles, was discovered in Somerset, England, back in 1903. Dating back around 10,000 years, this Mesolithic find shed light on early human life in the region. What made Cheddar Man intriguing was his physical appearance, revealed through DNA testing in 2018. He had dark skin, blue eyes, and curly hair, challenging previous assumptions about the complexion of early Europeans. Genetic analysis linked him to the Western Hunter-Gatherers, an ancient population who were the early inhabitants of Europe after the Ice Age. The skeleton was found in Gough’s Cave alongside various artifacts, including flint tools and animal remains. Descendants of these early humans are believed to have influenced the genetic makeup of present-day Europeans. Cheddar Man's remains, on display at the Natural History Museum in London, continue to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into the enigmatic past of our ancient ancestors.

Read More: Chokundi Cemetery – Masterpiece of Architecture and Sculpture