Ancestors: A prehistory of Britain in seven burials

Written by Alice Roberts

Narrated by Alice Roberts

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. 
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio UK
• Release date: Jun 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781398500556

Alice Roberts

Professor Alice Roberts is an academic, author and broadcaster, specialising in human anatomy, physiology, evolution, archaeology and history. In 2001, Alice made her television debut on Channel 4’s Time Team, and went on to write and present The Incredible Human Journey, Origins of Us and Ice Age Giants on BBC2. She is also the presenter of the popular TV series Digging for Britain. Alice has been a Professor of Public Engagement with Science at the University of Birmingham since 2012.  

Reviews for Ancestors

[syanobakteeria 666 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Started very well in a way that is easy to access and on subjects fascinating to anyone interested in european past. The narration is very good, with an appropriately thick british accent.
However, the last third of the book was tiring, as the author seems to increasingly lose track of the subject, and we are served with manifesto-like reflections about the gender identity of long dead peoples, and the importance of avoiding bias, followed by the details of the life and work of one 19th century archeologic, and an history of cremation in modern britain. To be fair, she does have some good points, but her opinions could have been resumed in fewer words, wich would have left more room for the actual subject.
Basically, much of this book is really a list of past and current hypotesises about the peoples found in thoses ancient burials, as well as a constant reminder that we don't really know and should stay critical.
Bottom line: definitely listen to the first half.

[Lindis Sloan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Interesting research, scope and connectedness. Fascinating topic, and author's reading performance excellent.

[Dave Young · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Woke Limey feminist bull shit parading as academic treasures; nearly every word —past the middle— is fallacious tommyrot.

[Sonia Di Marco · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely adore watching Alice series visiting Britain’s most historic towns. She is a very knowledgeable lady-about a whole range of subjects, and this book is no exception. I loved it-fascinating listening. Absolutely worth listening to, or reading.What’s more is that she’s narrating her own book.

[Benjamin Brown · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Good until she jumped on the gender/feminist/environment bandwagon. This was supposed to be a book about archeology. Very disappointing. To say in one breath that we shouldn't judge the past by our current viewpoint then apply these viewpoints is very hypocritical.

[YOAE38 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It starts very good and informative, but later i felt being indoctrinated about multiple genders identity. Followed by open attack on religion and faith. "Death is the end...." yet she wants to certain things to happen to her remains or be prtected from others...?
Book is biased and not objective.

[Matt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best and most thoughtful archaeological books I've read in some time. Research is up-to-date, as are perspectives on the state of the field and how the knowledge gained from studying our ancient ancestors (who, as the author correctly states "belong to everyone") can inform us here and now about our present. Highly recommended.

[Grace Mooring · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic writing and narration. I'm already looking forward to reading Alice Roberts' other books