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Ancestors
- A Prehistory of Britain in Seven Burials
- Narrated by: Alice Roberts
- Length: 13 hrs and 48 mins
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Ancestors
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Summary
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.
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.
Critic reviews
"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)
What listeners say about Ancestors
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Jill Desborough
- 13-07-22
Interesting, detailed but occasionally annoying
Certainly a very interesting book, particularly for me with the bronze age burials onwards , with a lot of science , (some of which I found myself not paying full attention to.) The narration is breezy, though sometimes I felt I'd like a little less information on weather conditions as she worked , how she travelled, jolly asides and her own opinions.
The issue that jarred most was the very patronising and dismissive tone she sometimes used, particularly towards anyone dense enough to believe in an afterlife. Ironic given her career is largely based on burial practices through time and cultures that are self evidently proponents of belief systems. But then THEY didnt have benefit of science, bless them.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Sara
- 23-07-21
wonderful book
I loved listening to Alice read her book, with her enthusiasm and knowledge it made it so interesting and I learned so much about the past. I really recommend it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kati Marjut
- 22-07-23
Fascinating
Dr Alice Roberts is not only an anthropological archaeologist and historian, but also a brilliant storyteller. Guaranteed to present historical events and findings from the most interesting perspectives, she provides just enough detail to capture your interest without dragging on. Great listen in the evening whilst winding down for bed
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Aliy
- 21-07-21
Brilliant
A beautifully read book. Telling the story of our place in this land. Great.
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6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- RogerT
- 07-10-21
Wonderful.
in both scope and delivery. so much information that I may start again at the beginning.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- dave
- 08-03-22
Superb
I love when the author reads their own book. Professor Roberts does a great job on both the book and the reading thank you.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- crochetdiva
- 13-05-22
Mostly a very enjoyable listen
I love the passion that Alice Roberts has for her craft, and by reading this book herself that comes through in her words.
I was disappointed at the end when she made it sound that her thoughts on death were the only ones you need to know. I have very different thoughts, but I won't be writing a book to tell everyone else they are wrong.
I will continue to watch her career with interest, because at that she is the best.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Keith
- 15-10-22
Interesting
I found this quite enjoyable. I loved the deep discussions of the various burials and the linkages with the wider history of archaeology in Britain. I was most drawn to Stone Age periods and the possible interpretations of life during that period, based on the information at the burials. I felt the Pit Rivers section went on a bit longer than it needed and wasn’t enamoured with the interviews recounted with other archaeologists as these felt more like a tv programme. But minor quibbles on a great book.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- David Morris
- 09-02-23
really enjoyed this book.
was great to hear about in more detail some of the digs I had seen Alice presenting on TV. gave a great sense of being there.
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- Helen SJ
- 07-04-24
Absolutely brilliant!
Alice Roberts proves her worth with this book. Intelligent, insightful and meticulously researched. Nice job Prof!
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