Context Recently, scientists have compiled the world’s oldest family tree from human bones interred at a 5,700-year-old tomb in the Cotswolds, UK.
The Neolithic tomb, or “cairn”, at Hazleton North in Gloucestershire has two L-shaped chambers, one facing north and the other south.
Key takeaways
The tomb dates to an important period just after farming was introduced to Britain by people.
Analysis of DNA from the tomb’s occupants revealed the people buried there were from five continuous generations of one extended family.
Most of those found in the tomb were descended from four women who all had children with the same man.
The first-generation women probably held a socially significant place in the memories of this community.
While the tomb reveals evidence of polygyny – men having children with multiple women – it also shows that polyandry was also widespread (women having children with multiple men).
Significance: The work will help researchers understand family dynamics among these Stone Age people and learn more about their culture.
