Ancestral Journeys

The Peopling of Europe from the First Venturers to the Vikings (Revised and Updated Edition)

De: Jean Manco

Narrado por: Corrie James

Who are the Europeans? Where did they come from? New research in the fields of archaeology and linguistics, a revolution in the study of genetics, and cutting-edge analysis of ancient DNA are dramatically changing our picture of prehistory, leading us to question what we thought we knew about these ancient peoples.

This paradigm-shifting book paints a spirited portrait of a restless people that challenges our established ways of looking at Europe's past. The story is more complex than at first believed, with new evidence suggesting that the European gene pool was stirred vigorously multiple times. Genetic clues are also enhancing our understanding of European mobility in epochs with written records, including the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons, the spread of the Slavs, and the adventures of the Vikings.

Now brought completely up to date with all the latest findings from the fast-moving fields of genetics, DNA, and dating, Jean Manco's highly accessible account weaves multiple strands of evidence into a startling new history of the continent, of interest to anyone who wants to truly understand Europeans' place in the ancient world.

(P)2020 Tantor

Got really interesting towards end

At the beginning, all the DNA types were a little much. But as the book went on, it got more into history and quite interesting!

Genealogy and genetics provide the key to Europe

Archeology can only guess at reality without having the genetic data as the safeguard to keep them honest. As a life long follower of archeology, I have always taken their findings and theories with a grain of salt. Some things always seemed to make more sense than others - and some just never seemed to pass the smell test. This book takes time, attention to detail and serious focus to keep up. Twelve times listening and I am still learning new things of great value to me. This audio book is absolutely not a "one and done".

Very interesting but complicated

Great detail, very interesting, but messy. The truth about genetic migrations is far more complicated than the ancestry tests make it sound. Many maps would help!

Beyond fabulous superbly narrated

I loved it, but it is a bit academic. I like that because it is pinpoint accurate withith verifiable facts. And it it makes me review my almost forgotten science classes.

Good story but difficult to rate

A lot of ground is covered so the book moves fast. It probably is a great reference book. The listener needs to be familiar with Eurasian geography and an array of ancient peoples in order to follow the narrative.
The tale does shed new light on ancient history and that alone makes it a good read.
It does not answer my questions. I am R1B1A2 which is mentioned several times. What does that mean?
Comparison with ancient DNA puts me at 47% Paleo Hunter-Gatherer; 43% Neolithic Farmer; 9% Bronze Age Nomad How did that happen? How did my ancestors end up in Ireland?
In other words how do I fit into this more informed view of history?
Still I think it provides a valuable perspective on human history.