Ripples in the Gene Pool That Made Us Who We Are Julian Richards
Event details
What do we expect when we send off a DNA test that offers to trace our distant ancestry? Were our ancestors part of the Norman invasion of 1066? (it’s amazing how many claim this...) are we ‘Celtic’ or Viking? The reality is that most of us are an amazing, but perhaps unsurprising, mixture.
Archaeologist Julian Richards will explore in broad terms the genetic history of the British Isles from hunter gatherers to Huguenots and beyond. And, alongside the results of genetic studies, Julian will also explore the evidence for invaders and settlers provided by archaeology. Together they provide fascinating windows into our shared past.
Image credit: Harvey Mills
About the speaker
Julian Richards is an archaeologist and broadcaster. He specialises in the prehistory of Britain and has a long-standing involvement with Stonehenge. He has directed major fieldwork projects and worked in both commercial archaeology and for English Heritage before a career change to broadcasting and education. Julian presented programmes for the BBC, both on TV (Meet the Ancestors and Blood of the Vikings on BBC2) and on radio (Mapping the Town on Radio 4). Julian is passionate about bringing the past to life and is involved in writing, devising and delivering community archaeology projects, working with schools, making non-broadcast film and curating museum exhibitions.
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