A new genetic study concludes that the Roman-era woman known as the “Beachy Head Woman,” whom the BBC had presented as…“the first Black Briton,” was in fact white and originated from southern England. According to the findings, she carried genetic traits associated with the local population of Roman Britain, while the data indicate blonde hair and light-colored eyes.

As reported by The Telegraph, the case gained widespread attention and backlash in 2016, when the BBC series “Black and British: A Forgotten History” presented the Roman skeleton associated with Beachy Head as originating from sub-Saharan Africa. In the first episode, the woman was described as a “Black Briton,” and it was suggested that, given the age of her remains, she could represent the “earliest Black Briton.”

According to the latest research findings, the DNA analysis was carried out by scientists at the Natural History Museum in London. The lead researcher of the genetic study stated that, using modern DNA techniques, it was possible to determine the woman’s ancestry with clarity. As he explained, she shows genetic affinities that are closer to individuals from the local population of Roman Britain.

The woke-driven assessment of African ancestry had already been questioned in 2017, when an initial genetic study suggested that the woman more likely originated from the Mediterranean—possibly Cyprus—rather than sub-Saharan Africa. Following that development, the commemorative plaque that had been installed to honor her supposed ancestry was removed in 2022…

The remains date to the period of Roman rule in Britain. Radiocarbon dating showed that her death occurred between 129 and 311 AD. Analysis of the bones estimates that she was approximately 18 to 25 years old at the time of death and that her height was just over 1.50 meters. Additionally, a healed injury was found on her leg, indicating a serious but non-fatal injury at some point in her life.

Furthermore, dietary analysis based on carbon and nitrogen values in the bones showed that her diet likely included a significant amount of seafood. A scientist from the Natural History Museum noted that scientific knowledge is constantly evolving and that technological advances over the past decade allow for more comprehensive data about this individual and her life.