Perspectives on the Holocene in Britain: human DNA

Analysis of genetically‐based variation in human populations has been possible for nearly a century. Recently, DNA sequence‐based methods have begun to replace protein‐based methods leading to a higher resolution, but more complex results. Patterns of gene distribution may be established with statistical reliability, but understanding them in terms of history is a process of interpretation; multi‐disciplinary research is essential. A brief synopsis of the Holocene in Britain is presented, based on the genetic data , but with reference to archaeology, palaeoecology, ethnology and linguistics. The genetic history of Britain is a Holocene history. Patterns of gene distributions can be seen as the consequence of social processes and of selection. The major events are: the reoccupation of Britain in the Late Upper Palaeolithic/Early Mesolithic (c. 10,000–7,500 bp), social and demographic development during the Mesolithic (7,500–6,000 bp), and the Mesolithic‐Neolithic transition (6,000–4,000 bp). Interpretations of the transition based on social interaction, intermarriage and minor genetic input are most consistent with the broad evidence. An extreme “indigenist” position is not supported.