Ancient Russian Skeleton Found in U.K.: DNA Unravels the Mystery

Researchers have used DNA analysis to solve the mystery of how a man born 2,000 years ago in Russia ended up buried in England. The skeleton, known as Offord Cluny 203645, was found in Cambridgeshire in 2017. DNA testing revealed that he had common ancestors with individuals from the Caucasus and Sarmatian groups. Isotope analysis of his teeth indicated that he lived in an arid location in eastern Europe until the age of 5 or 6, then migrated west before arriving in Britain and dying between the ages of 18 and 25. Possible explanations for his journey include being part of the Sarmatian cavalry sent to Britain by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius or personal reasons for long-distance travel.