Ancestors

"This is a terrific, timely and transporting book - taking us heart, body and mind beyond history, to the fascinating truth of the prehistoric past and the present." Bettany Hughes

In Ancestors, acclaimed archaeologist, broadcaster, and academic Professor Alice Roberts invites readers on an unparalleled exploration of Britain’s deepest roots. We often conceive of Britain's history as commencing with the arrival of the Romans, but this compelling volume challenges that notion by delving into the lives of the very earliest inhabitants of the Isles. With the meticulous examination of seven key burial sites and the revolutionary application of ancient DNA analysis, Roberts unveils the complex tapestry of migrations, cultural exchanges, and lineages that have shaped today's Britain.

Each burial site serves as a portal to the past, providing profound insights into our ancestors' lives and their enduring legacies. Roberts’s narrative illustrates how ancient peoples traversed vast landscapes, navigated the challenges of their times, and left indelible marks on their descendants. These sites encapsulate tales of forgotten journeys, written in our genes and preserved in the earth for millennia.

This book is not merely about ancient remains; it is a profound meditation on belonging and identity. Roberts encourages us to walk in the footsteps of our forebears, exploring ancient places imbued with history and significance. She reveals a story of interconnected global ancestry that underscores the shared human experience binding us through time and space. Through Ancestors, readers are prompted to reflect on their place in the world and the continuous thread of human existence that reaches into the distant past.

Far from being a dry recounting of historical facts, Ancestors is a vivid and evocative journey that melds scientific rigor with storytelling. Roberts’s extensive research and engaging prose bring to life the rich history lying beneath British soil, offering a profound connection to those who came before us.

PRE-ORDER CRYPT, THE FINAL BOOK IN ALICE ROBERTS' BRILLIANT TRILOGY – OUT FEBRUARY 2024.