A Short History of Humanity: A New History of Old Europe

A Short History of Humanity looks at our origins and the prehistoric cultures that impacted Europe, in addition to the waves of subsequent migrations that changed cultures and environments. These migrants left lasting traces in our genetic makeup. Legacies that have lasted long after they vanished. By explaining the field of archeaogenetics, the authors show how scientists have been able to use new DNA-sequencing technology to find out how much we’ve inherited from, and been influenced by, our early ancestors.

They examine how migration changed Europe and how that lead to changes in the societies the migrants came in contact with, and why some groups were more successful than others during these periods of upheaval. They also explain how migration went hand in hand with the spread of new diseases and the pandemics that left their mark globally long before our current pandemic. As the authors show, there is evidence that the first plague may have been in Europe earlier than previously assumed. It can be traced back as far as between 4,900 and 3,800 years ago.

Krause and Trappe have produced a fantastic book that anyone interested in our origins will want to read. It is informative, timely, and provides a brilliant look not just at the path our species has taken on our long journey but also toward where we may be headed.