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Ancestors

A Prehistory of Britain in Seven Burials

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Ancestors

Written by: Alice Roberts
Narrated by: Alice Roberts
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About this listen

An extraordinary exploration of the ancestry of Britain through seven burial sites. By using new advances in genetics and taking us through important archaeological discoveries, Professor Alice Roberts helps us better understand life today.

‘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

We often think of Britain springing from nowhere with the arrival of the Romans. But in Ancestors, pre-eminent archaeologist, broadcaster and academic Professor Alice Roberts explores what we can learn about the very earliest Britons, from burial sites and by using new technology to analyse ancient DNA.

Told through seven fascinating burial sites, this groundbreaking prehistory of Britain teaches us more about ourselves and our history: how people came and went and how we came to be on this island. It explores forgotten journeys and memories of migrations long ago, written into genes and preserved in the ground for thousands of years.

This is a book about belonging: about walking in ancient places, in the footsteps of the ancestors. It explores our interconnected global ancestry, and the human experience that binds us all together. It’s about reaching back in time, to find ourselves, and our place in the world.

CRYPT, THE FINAL BOOK IN ALICE ROBERTS' BRILLIANT TRILOGY, IS OUT NOW.
©2021 Alice Roberts (P)2021 Simon & Schuster UK
Archaeology Great Britain England Discovery Island Genetics
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What the critics say

'This is a book everyone should read. Roberts is the new Da Vinci, able to shift between science and humanities, the objective and subjective, the global and the individual. There is such a scope of knowledge between the covers of this book that you feel like a better and more knowledgeable person having read it. A mind-altering, life-altering book.' (Dr Janina Ramirez)
‘While the rest of us read words, Alice reads bones - and what stories they have to tell. In her hands they seem slick with life, bearing messages from ancient worlds. I was captivated.' (Neil Oliver)
'Another classic from Alice Roberts. She writes as a scholar with the intensity and flair of a novelist.' (Dan Snow)
‘Roberts is a prolific TV presenter, and Ancestors skilfully deploys the arts of screen storytelling: narrative pace, a sense of mysteries being unfolded. […] [It] is above all a tribute to the archaeological profession.’ (Dan Hitchens)

What listeners say about Ancestors

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Fascinating overview

I'm a Time Team fan and wanted to take a look at Alice Robert's book. I really enjoyed the format, she takes a chronological approach to different burials found in Britain throughout the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. She also discusses how archeological approaches have changed over time and the importance of being aware of bias even if it can't entirely be removed.

I'd recommend for anyone interested in these subjects; I certainly want to read more from her!

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Fantastic

Overall it was a fantastic read. The scope is more narrow than most anthropological books I’ve listened to but very interesting, there is a lot of detail and explanation. The book also had great narration!

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Excellent!!!

This lady is the real deal. She is knowledgeable and friendly and I think she can explain anything.

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