Stonehenge Builders Likely Had Dark Skin, DNA Reveals

A study led by Guido Barbujani at the University of Ferrara reconstructed genetic data from 348 ancient genomes spanning 45,000 to 1,700 years ago. The findings suggest that most Europeans had dark skin until around 3,000 years ago. This indicates that the builders of Stonehenge, who lived approximately 5,000 years ago, likely had dark skin. The research analyzed DNA samples from the British Isles, mainland Europe, Russia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, revealing that 63% of ancient Europeans had dark skin. Significant lightening of skin tone began around 3,000 years ago, possibly due to migration to higher latitudes and the need for vitamin D production. Neanderthals may have developed light skin before modern humans arrived in Europe. Ötzi, the glacier mummy, also had dark skin.