Hello, my name is Alex Iles, and today we’re diving into the fascinating history of the Neolithic people, continuing on from the last blog. I’m here at Lordenshaws Neolithic Rock Art site in Northumberland National Park, just next to Rothbury—a place rich with history and a direct connection to the distant past.
Understanding the Neolithic People
Before we begin, I always like to clarify that I am not a geneticist. My role as a tour guide is to research, gather, and curate historical information to share with you. If you’re looking for in-depth genetic data, I’ve provided links in the description to specialists who can give you more precise details.
What I can do, however, is take you through the story of the Neolithic people—their origins, their journey, and how they became the dominant population in Britain.
The Journey Begins: From Mesopotamia to Britain
The story of the Neolithic people begins in the region we now call Mesopotamia, an area spanning modern Iraq and Syria. Around 10,000 years ago, humans in this region started farming, marking the beginning of a revolutionary way of life.
One particular group of early farmers moved into Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). They were incredibly successful, and their population grew rapidly. Over time, they expanded into southern Europe, traveling through central Europe, into France, and down into Spain before moving back up into Brittany.
Around 4000 BC, a group from Brittany crossed into the British Isles. These were Britain’s first farmers, bringing with them new agricultural techniques and a settled way of life.
The Arrival of the First Farmers
Once in Britain, these Neolithic people began clearing forests to make way for farming. They established small villages and semi-permanent settlements, still incorporating some hunting and gathering into their lifestyle. Over generations, they expanded across the British Isles, transforming the landscape with their agricultural practices.
But what happened when they encountered the Mesolithic hunter-gatherers who already lived here?
The Mystery of Cheddar Man and the Disappearance of the Mesolithic People
One of the most famous Mesolithic individuals is Cheddar Man, whose remains were discovered in Gough’s Cave in Somerset. His DNA has provided valuable insights into the genetic makeup of Britain’s early inhabitants.
However, genetic studies suggest that after the Neolithic farmers arrived, there was a dramatic shift in the population. About 99% of the Mesolithic gene pool was replaced by the incoming farmers. This means that Cheddar Man’s genetic lineage did not continue into the modern British population.
Why did this happen? We can only speculate. Perhaps there was conflict, or maybe the Mesolithic hunter-gatherers were gradually absorbed into the farming communities. Some small traces of Mesolithic DNA remain in later populations, likely due to earlier interbreeding between farmers and hunter-gatherers as they moved through Europe.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite the loss of the Mesolithic way of life, the Neolithic people left an enduring mark on Britain. They built monumental structures, such as chambered tombs and stone circles, and created intricate rock art—some of which can still be seen at sites like Lordenshaws.
Standing here, looking at these carvings, I feel a direct connection to the past. These marks on the rocks are a glimpse into their world—their beliefs, their artistry, and their interactions with the landscape.
Keep Exploring
I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey into the past and learned something new about the Neolithic farmers who shaped Britain’s history. Until next time, stay safe and well—and thank you for joining me on this adventure through time!
