Uncovering the True Identity of the Beachy Head Woman

Initial Beliefs vs. New Discoveries

• Initial Belief (2013): Thought to be from sub-Saharan Africa, making her the first known Black Briton.
• 2017 Genetic Sequencing: Suggested she might be from the Mediterranean.
• Recent DNA Technology: Reveals she was actually from southern England.

Physical Characteristics and Lifestyle

• Appearance: Fair hair, light skin, blue eyes.
• Height: About 5 feet tall.
• Age at Death: Between 18 and 25 years old.
• Injury: A healed wound on her leg suggests she survived a serious injury.
• Diet: Rich in seafood, as shown by carbon and nitrogen levels in her bones.

The Evolution of Science

• Initial Conclusions: Based on the best technology available at the time.
• Advancements: Better tools provide a clearer picture.
• Science as a Journey: Constantly updates and corrects itself.

Questions About Older Methods

• Craniometric Analysis: Measures skull shapes, once used to support racial hierarchies.
• Controversy: Growing evidence that these methods may not be reliable.
• Advancements: Moving away from outdated techniques.

The Importance of Pushing for Better Answers

• Science is a Journey: Not a destination.
• Each Discovery: Helps us understand the past more accurately.
• Conclusion: It's a good thing that our understanding evolves.