0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:01- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:02 > 0:00:06- Who are the Welsh?
0:00:16 > 0:00:18- From our first beginnings...
0:00:19 > 0:00:23- ..the people of Wales - have faced the deepest questions.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27- Who are we?
0:00:29 > 0:00:31- Where did we come from?
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- What connects us - to the rest of the wider world?
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- And what sets us apart?
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- Astonishingly, each one of us - carries inside ourselves...
0:00:48 > 0:00:50- ..an ancient treasure.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53- A key to age-old mysteries.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58- DNA is the link that connects - everyone on the planet.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01- For the first time...
0:01:01 > 0:01:06- ..genetics is revealing how - we are all related to one another.
0:01:09 > 0:01:10- Our aim over the coming year...
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- ..is to analyse the DNA - of thousands of Welsh people.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- Laboratory testing - to discover our origins.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- In the hope of finding a different - kind of national history.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- DNA is the people's story.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- Everyone is welcome - in the experiment.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40- Everyone - has something to learn from it.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44- From the South to the North.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- From the Ice Age to the iPhone age.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- From the Pyrenees to Africa.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- We're following in the footsteps - of our ancient mothers and fathers.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- Join us on a pilgrimage - across the country...
0:02:07 > 0:02:09- Across the world...
0:02:11 > 0:02:13- Across time itself.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17- Who are we?
0:02:20 > 0:02:24- There's a new way - of answering that question.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- Its name is DNA.
0:02:29 > 0:02:30- DNA Cymru.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- Who are the Welsh?
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- It's a simple question - with a complicated answer.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- To discover the truth, - we must come here...
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- ..to a place far, far away, - beyond Wales.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- We must search in unexpected places.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- And we must - travel back across the centuries.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- Isle of Britain - 515 AD
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- This king holds the fate - of his subjects in his hands.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- He's been summoned urgently - to rescue a group of his people.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44- They are a tribe of Britons...
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- ..the ancient natives - of the Isle of Britain.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- The forefathers of the Welsh.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- The king and his subjects - are retreating to the west...
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- ..to the land - we know today as Wales.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- They're travelling along roads - the Romans built a century earlier.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- They are fleeing from an enemy which - is trying to take over Britain.
0:04:19 > 0:04:20- The Saxons.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- The battles between - the Saxons and the Britons...
0:04:24 > 0:04:29- ..were the root cause of the Welsh - emerging as a separate nation.
0:04:29 > 0:04:35- The Saxons called us the Wealhas, - the Welsh, meaning foreigners.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- The courage of leaders like this...
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- ..is remembered in ancient Welsh - tales such as the Arthurian Legends.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- "They shed their blood for freedom."
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- But what was this blood?
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- From where did it come?
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- The written records are scarce.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- Archaeological evidence - is incomplete.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13- But now we can - use cutting-edge science...
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- ..to trace the story - much further back into the past.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- Back through the mists of time...
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- ..to meet our ancient ancestors...
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- ..those who brought the secrets - of smelting metal to Wales...
0:05:33 > 0:05:38- ..and who also brought a key change - within their own bodies.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- We can go further back again, - before recorded history...
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- ..beyond the Ice Age...
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- ..to walk with - the first inhabitants of this land.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- And still further back...
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- ..to the genesis of the human race.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- To Eden, to the very first - mother and father.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- But this is - a contemporary story too.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- A story - that is crucial for us today.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- By tracing - the biology of our ancestors...
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- ..from one generation - to the next...
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- ..we can arrive - back in the present, in Wales today.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- The television set - is full of exciting adventures.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- I once made an appearance - on Doctor Who...
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- ..which was quite a thrill, - to be honest.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- Doctor Who is science fiction.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- But now, I have a true story which - literally travels through time.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- It's both a personal story - and a national story.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- It's relevant to everyone - who lives in Wales...
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- ..regardless - of the colour of their skin.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- So everyone is welcome - at this historical landmark...
0:07:21 > 0:07:26- ..the Pierhead Building in Cardiff - Bay, for the launch of DNA Cymru.
0:07:28 > 0:07:33- Politicians, scientists and - historians have come here tonight...
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- ..to embark on a journey...
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- ..which will take us - way, way back to the distant past.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- Here's your DNA pack. - Many congratulations.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- Dafydd Iwan is the first to receive - the results of his DNA test.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53- There are more surprises in - this programme for our Welsh stars.
0:07:53 > 0:07:54- Bryn Terfel's DNA.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56- Bryn Terfel's DNA.- - Is there a fanfare?
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- Sian Lloyd. Are you ready for this?
0:08:00 > 0:08:01- Mr Gareth Edwards, are you ready?
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- Mr Gareth Edwards, are you ready?- - Yes, I can't wait.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- Learning who your ancestors are...
0:08:06 > 0:08:07- Your father's bloodline is...
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- Your father's bloodline is...- - ..can be a shock...
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- ..or a source of comfort.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- Yesterday's news...
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- 6,000 years ago.
0:08:17 > 0:08:18- ..becoming relevant today.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- ..becoming relevant today.- - I don't come from New Zealand, do I?
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- Scientific proof brings certainty.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- The certainty of the spit kit.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- The spit kit is a way - of collecting and storing your DNA.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- Within the box is a small bottle.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- All you do - is do what it says on the box...
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- ..and simply spit into it.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- My sample's ready.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- This laboratory holds the samples - of all those taking part.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- Their DNA will go through a - process to find specific patterns...
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- ..in our genetic code.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- There's enough DNA in our spit...
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- ..for scientists - to analyse the double helix.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- This master molecule - forms the basis of life.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- It carries the code - which shapes our lives.
0:09:15 > 0:09:20- DNA is responsible - for family resemblances.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- It's a topic of conversation - for my own children.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29- Some people say I look like Mam - and others say I look like Dad.
0:09:30 > 0:09:31- Do you look like Mummy or Daddy?
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- Do you look like Mummy or Daddy?- - Mummy.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- Not Daddy? Why?
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- Because Mummy's pretty.
0:09:40 > 0:09:46- Lily and Poppy look like each other - but Poppy has darker skin.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- I look like Lily.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- You look like Lily? - I think you look like Max.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- No!
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- Jason's children, - like everyone else's...
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- ..inherit - their DNA from their parents.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- The cells in their bodies - carry a DNA code...
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- ..which determines - their physical appearance.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- How tall they'll be, - their eye and skin colour...
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- ..and the shape of their faces.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- It's DNA which is behind - those family resemblances.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- As the parents pass on the DNA...
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- ..98% of it gets mixed up...
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- ..and re-combined all over again.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- It's hard to tell - who it's come from...
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- ..looking back - over the generations.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- But a small portion of the DNA, - a mere 2%...
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- ..is unchanged - as it passes from parent to child.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- So the main focus - of the laboratory work...
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- ..is that crucial 2%, - the ancestral DNA.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- The test hasn't been designed...
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- ..to discover - our families' recent history...
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- ..or to offer data - about our close relatives.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- The purpose of the test - is to discover tiny differences...
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- ..in the genetic code - which emerged centuries ago.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- What's important to us - is that small percentage of DNA...
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- ..which is transferred - without getting mixed up...
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- ..from father to son...
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- ..and to his sons and so on - - the Y chromosome DNA.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26- And another fragment, - the mitochondrial DNA...
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- ..which passes unchanged - from mother to children...
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- ..and from her daughters - to their children.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38- This allows scientists to trace - an unbroken line through history...
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- ..along both the mother's - and the father's bloodlines.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48- All this information - points to an astounding fact.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- Our DNA's history...
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- ..began in Africa.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- Every single person - throughout the world...
0:11:59 > 0:12:04- ..is a descendent of black Africans.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- So I can safely say...
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- ..that this is - the birthplace of the Welsh.
0:12:16 > 0:12:17- .
0:12:20 > 0:12:20- Subtitles
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- Who are the Welsh?
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- The dawn of civilization - and the entire human race...
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- ..arose in Africa.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- The story began - more than 200,000 years ago...
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- ..here in the Great Rift Valley.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- The truth is, - we all belong to the same family.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- An African family.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- I'm here in Tanzania - to meet the Hadza tribe.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- They have - a very special relationship...
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- ..with the genesis of humanity.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- No-one on the face of this earth...
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- ..lives closer to the way of life...
0:13:24 > 0:13:29- ..of our great-great-ancestors, - the first men and women...
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- ..than the Hadza.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39- The Hadza don't farm, they forage - and hunt for every morsel of food...
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- ..like the very first - Homo sapiens.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- With nothing more sophisticated - than a bow and arrow...
0:13:47 > 0:13:52- ..they needed to be fit to survive, - and to keep pace with the monkeys.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- There's no way of denying it.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- This was how - our ancient ancestors survived.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- Very few Hadza women go hunting...
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- ..but the men - treat them as their equals.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- They have their own duties, - duties that are just as important...
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- ..for the survival of the tribe.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- THEY SPEAK NATIVE LANGUAGE
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- Oniako.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- That was an 'oniako'.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- Oniako.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- It tasted - something like uncooked swede.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- Archaeological evidence connects - the place where the Hadza live...
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- ..to the birthplace of mankind.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06- Their ancient language isn't related - to any other language...
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- ..although it uses a special sound - found elsewhere in Africa.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- The click.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18- We sometimes boast that we speak - the oldest language in Europe.
0:15:18 > 0:15:24- By some accounts, this tribe speaks - the oldest language in the world.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- (CLICKS) Anako.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- (CLICKS) Anako.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- Now then. Llanllwch.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39- Llanllwch.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- Excellent!
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- Language, archaeology, genetics.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- They all point - to the same conclusion.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- The DNA tests that have - been conducted on the Hadza...
0:15:56 > 0:16:02- ..found that their bloodline - goes way back to the dawn of time.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- TRIBAL SINGING
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- By studying the mitochondrial DNA...
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- ..as it passes - from woman to child...
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- ..and tracing it - as far back as possible...
0:16:14 > 0:16:19- ..scientists seem confident that - a woman who lived in this region...
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- ..close to 190,000 years ago...
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- ..is the grandmother - of everyone on the planet.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- Every piece of mitochondrial - DNA in today's world...
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- ..has been derived from her.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- It's the same thing - on the father's side.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- A man from Africa - is the ancestral father...
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- ..of all the human race's - Y chromosome DNA.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- According to scientists, - in their version of the story...
0:16:51 > 0:16:53- ..Eden didn't exist.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- There was an Adam - and there was an Eve...
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- ..but they didn't meet - for generations...
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- ..until their DNA came together - in their descendants.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- That's how it was - for more than 100,000 years.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17- Adam's children and Eve's children - streamed all over Africa.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- But it was in Africa - that humanity stayed.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- Then, 60,000 years ago...
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- ..a group of Africans took - the first steps of an epic journey.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- For the first time ever...
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- ..a small number of men and women, - maybe 300 or 400 or so...
0:17:43 > 0:17:49- ..moved beyond the confines - of Africa to a new continent.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- A key moment - in the whole history of mankind.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- A mere 60,000 years ago.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- It had taken millions of years - to reach this crucial point.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- But once they'd left Africa...
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- ..people migrated quickly - to the four corners of the world.
0:18:18 > 0:18:23- And the result? A planet - with a population of seven billion.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- And every one of us, - if we're not African ourselves...
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- ..is a descendent - of those 300 or 400 Africans...
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- ..60,000 years ago.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- This is our family.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46- The family's heroic journey took - them across India, through Asia...
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- ..and as far as Australia.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56- And to the north, - through the Gobi desert and Siberia.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01- Over dry land to a new continent.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- America.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- Every step of the way...
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- ..genetics were at work, - creating the beautiful diversity...
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- ..that we see in our family today.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- The secret is in - the patterns of the genetic code.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- Four unique chemicals - form the basis of our DNA.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- These stick together - to create the double helix chain.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- Scientists - have chosen four letters...
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- ..to denote them.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- The order of these letters - creates the genetic code.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49- It's an enormous code. - A stream of billions of letters.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- But there's - an intelligent way to read it.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- The focus is on a small portion - of the DNA, a mere 2%...
0:19:56 > 0:20:01- ..which passes, unmixed, - from parents to children.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07- When this ancestral DNA is - transferred from parent to child...
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- ..the genetic code - is copied more or less perfectly.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- Billions of letters following the - same pattern time and time again.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- But sometimes, - in a small section of the pattern...
0:20:20 > 0:20:22- ..a mistake happens.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28- The baby's code doesn't have - the same order as the parents' DNA.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- It's similar to a typo in a script.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- It's not copied...
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- ..corretcly.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- These small typos - create genetic markers.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- Small bits of DNA, - where the order of the chemicals...
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- ..is different - from the previous generation's.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54- Once that's happened...
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- ..the new pattern - with the minor change...
0:20:58 > 0:21:03- ..is the one copied next time - and in every generation afterwards.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- These tiny changes - are very important...
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- ..as we trace mankind's family - across the world.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- As one set of people - head off in a new direction...
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- ..and lose contact with others...
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- ..the new genetic markers - that emerge amongst them...
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- ..are unique to them.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- And so, every small typo helps - scientists identify the group...
0:21:28 > 0:21:32- ..from where it originated - and helps differentiate from others.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- That's how we can follow - the biological connections...
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- ..between different groups - within the family.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- Scientists have coined a term - for the group of people...
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- ..who share the same genetic markers - - a haplogroup.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- They label each different haplogroup - with a particular letter.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- Of course, - after several more generations...
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- ..a new typo may crop up...
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- ..and the haplogroup's path forks.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- So a number is added to the label.
0:22:04 > 0:22:09- It's like the way we number - motorways and country roads...
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- ..in our transport system - as they fork and fork again.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- To work out where - my ancient ancestors came from...
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- ..the DNA test - searches for markers...
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- ..associated with - particular haplogroups.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- This happens - on this very special microchip.
0:22:29 > 0:22:35- By identifying where haplogroups and - sub-haplogroups are common today...
0:22:35 > 0:22:40- ..we can estimate where - our ancestors may have come from.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- At last, as that epic journey - reached its climax...
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- ..one of the groups ventured - to a country we know as Wales.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- It happened - more than 30,000 years ago.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- Back then, - in Paviland, in the Gower...
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- ..people buried - one of their loved ones...
0:23:02 > 0:23:07- ..with ivory and shells - as a mark of honour.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13- It's one of the earliest burials - we know about in northern Europe.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- It's amazing to think - how much these ancient people...
0:23:20 > 0:23:22- ..had in common with us.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- We share the need for a ritual - to grieve for the dead.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- We share the country - we know as Wales today.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34- We also share with them - the core of what makes us human.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36- Their genetic code.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- Their DNA.
0:23:43 > 0:23:48- The human family had completed an - epic journey from Africa to Wales.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- But now - they came up against something...
0:23:52 > 0:23:55- ..even more powerful than their DNA.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00- .
0:24:02 > 0:24:02- Subtitles
0:24:02 > 0:24:04- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:24:10 > 0:24:13- During the Ice Age, - 20,000 years ago...
0:24:13 > 0:24:17- ..a perpetual winter gripped - the lands of northern Europe.
0:24:21 > 0:24:26- People and animals had to migrate - southwards to survive.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29- They came to the Pyrenees.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36- These mountains - are cold in midwinter...
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- ..but during the Ice Age, - the Pyrenees had two advantages.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44- Two advantages - that could sustain life.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46- Two advantages - that attracted those...
0:24:46 > 0:24:50- ..who were fleeing northern - Europe as the ice sheet spread.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53- Firstly, - the Pyrenees are far enough south...
0:24:53 > 0:24:58- ..on the border - between modern France and Spain...
0:24:58 > 0:25:03- ..so that the climate wasn't - as glacial as it was in the north.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08- Sheltered valleys beneath the - mountains welcomed the refugees...
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- ..but still - the temperatures were low.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15- The body was barely able to survive.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22- So the second advantage - became crucial.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25- One that's - carved into the landscape itself.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29- There's shelter from the cold here. - Shelter in caves.
0:25:32 > 0:25:37- In their cosy homes, the refugees - forged a unique way of life.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- Of course, they had to venture out - for their food.
0:25:42 > 0:25:47- To hunt the animals that were able - to withstand the freezing climate.
0:25:48 > 0:25:53- The mammoth and the hyena, - the reindeer, wolf and bear.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- Though we are talking about - an ancient time...
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- ..more than 12,000 years ago...
0:26:01 > 0:26:05- ..we have evidence about - the kind of life these people led.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08- The evidence - is stunning and beautiful...
0:26:09 > 0:26:11- ..and it's found - within one of the caves.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17- La grotte de Niaux - - the cave near Niaux village.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19- It's famous throughout the world.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- It takes 20 minutes - to reach the chamber...
0:26:23 > 0:26:26- ..that has fired the imagination.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29- But it's well worth the effort.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34- Here I can see - prehistoric animals...
0:26:34 > 0:26:36- ..exactly as they were.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38- The shape of their bodies...
0:26:38 > 0:26:42- ..and the way they moved, just - as though they were still alive.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47- And I can see all this through - the eyes of those Ice Age people.
0:27:11 > 0:27:16- It's a thrill to see paintings - from such an ancient era.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30- But what's remarkable - about what DNA testing reveals...
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- ..is that there's a connection - between these artists and me.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38- Because amongst them, amongst the - Ice Age people of the Pyrenees...
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- ..were the - great-great-great-grandmothers...
0:27:42 > 0:27:44- ..of the modern Welsh woman.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50- As the world began to warm...
0:27:50 > 0:27:54- ..the women - looked to the north once again...
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- ..following prey like the reindeer - back to their old habitat.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05- Their DNA - is very prominent in Wales today.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11- Up to half of us - can trace our mother's genealogy...
0:28:12 > 0:28:14- ..back to these refuges.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18- It's a long journey - from here, in the Pyrenees...
0:28:18 > 0:28:20- ..to northern Europe and Wales.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- But as the ice started to melt...
0:28:23 > 0:28:27- ..these resourceful women - were ready to make the journey.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45- And it's a good job they succeeded, - because without them...
0:28:46 > 0:28:50- ..Wales's history - would be much poorer in many fields.
0:28:53 > 0:28:58- Gareth Edwards, hailed as the - greatest rugby player of all time.
0:28:58 > 0:29:03- Who better to receive - DNA Cymru's first official results?
0:29:03 > 0:29:06- It's interesting. - The family's interested too.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09- We Welshmen - are dark and we're small.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13- People say - we've all come from the same place.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17- Beyond France and Spain.
0:29:17 > 0:29:22- Is your sporting prowess - in your DNA, I wonder?
0:29:22 > 0:29:25- I don't come from New Zealand, do I?
0:29:26 > 0:29:28- Mr Gareth Edwards, are you ready?
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- Yes. I can't wait - to see where I've come from.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34- I'm nervous too.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37- Your father's genealogy first.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- "Your family came to Wales - from northern Europe.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43- "The result is most common...
0:29:44 > 0:29:46- "..in northern Germany, - Denmark and Sweden...
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- "..and as far as Russia."
0:29:50 > 0:29:56- Well, well! - No wonder I enjoy fishing in Russia.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- I've been there fishing - and I had a great time.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01- It was wonderful.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06- What about your mother's genealogy - - the Pioneers?
0:30:06 > 0:30:08- From the Pyrenees, possibly.
0:30:08 > 0:30:13- "Amongst the first to come back to - northern Europe after the Ice Age."
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- My mother - always complained of being cold!
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- My mother always said, "I'm cold."
0:30:19 > 0:30:22- Do you know what she used to say? - This is true...
0:30:23 > 0:30:25- "I can smell snow coming."
0:30:26 > 0:30:28- My family will laugh - when they see this.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32- I have lots of friends - from the Basque country.
0:30:33 > 0:30:38- Many of France's - best rugby players are Basques.
0:30:39 > 0:30:44- I feel very at home - with their way of life.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- There's no mention of New Zealand.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50- Thank goodness for that!
0:30:52 > 0:30:54- Our story is gathering pace.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- The next leap forward - comes with a group of people...
0:30:58 > 0:31:02- ..whose roots lay beyond - the Pyrenees, in Iberia.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04- The Beaker People.
0:31:07 > 0:31:12- Named after the drinking vessels - they used in their ceremonies...
0:31:12 > 0:31:18- ..the Beaker People were first to - master the art of smelting copper.
0:31:20 > 0:31:25- Today, their DNA is very common - all across western Europe.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30- It's a sign - of how warmly they were welcomed...
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- ..for their technology...
0:31:33 > 0:31:36- ..and their pioneering way of life.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39- The sea was the superhighway - of the ancient world.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44- That's how - our ancestors' DNA reached Wales.
0:31:44 > 0:31:49- Travelling across dry land back then - was a slow process.
0:31:50 > 0:31:55- It was far easier to go by sea, - and it was far quicker too!
0:32:09 > 0:32:13- The Beaker People - moved in small family groups....
0:32:13 > 0:32:16- ..and settled - in established communities.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19- They were appreciated - for their skills...
0:32:19 > 0:32:21- ..and their trading networks.
0:32:21 > 0:32:27- The whole world was changing, - and there was more to come.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30- Some time, - between 4,000-5,000 years ago...
0:32:31 > 0:32:34- ..a baby boy was born.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38- An infant who is - really important in our story.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42- There's reason to believe...
0:32:42 > 0:32:46- ..that the birth took place - within the Beaker community.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48- If the theory's correct...
0:32:48 > 0:32:52- ..this child - spawned a line of descendants...
0:32:52 > 0:32:56- ..who became very influential - in the history of the Welsh.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02- We may regard him as the first Celt.
0:33:03 > 0:33:08- The baby carried in his DNA - a small change in his genetic code.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- One of the typos - that denotes a new haplogroup.
0:33:12 > 0:33:17- No-one at the time would've noticed - anything out of the ordinary.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21- But the baby's DNA was slightly - different from his father's.
0:33:22 > 0:33:27- He might have been an ordinary - member of his community.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32- But when he came of age - and found a partner...
0:33:32 > 0:33:35- ..he would've - passed on this change...
0:33:35 > 0:33:40- ..and established a new haplogroup - through his children.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42- As a father himself...
0:33:42 > 0:33:46- ..he might have seen his line - continue through his sons...
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- ..not knowing - they had a genetic marker...
0:33:49 > 0:33:53- ..that would - become characteristic of the Celts.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58- It's still present - in every Celtic nation.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02- Remarkably, our early tests - have identified this marker...
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- ..in up to half of men today...
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- ..whose two grandfathers are Welsh.
0:34:13 > 0:34:19- But there are a few Welshmen who can - trace their line even further back.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22- Wow, Bryn!
0:34:22 > 0:34:26- I'm here at London's Royal Opera - House to meet one of them.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29- When I first heard - about DNA Cymru...
0:34:29 > 0:34:32- ..and the spit kit - arrived in the post...
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- ..I became intrigued.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39- Sorry there's no fanfare, - but here it is.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41- Bryn Terfel's DNA.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46- "Your father's lineage is...
0:34:47 > 0:34:48- "..I-S2606.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51- "Rheinlander.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- "Your sub-haplogroup...
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- "..is most common in Scandinavia."
0:34:59 > 0:35:01- I'm quite happy with that.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05- "In southern Scotland, Ulster, - and especially in Germany."
0:35:06 > 0:35:10- It's interesting, considering - you sing so much Wagner.
0:35:10 > 0:35:15- I'm comfortable singing in German.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19- There are similarities - with the Welsh language...
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- ..in the Celts' journey - from northern Spain.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- They passed through Austria, where - you'll come across Welsh words.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29- "Scientists believe that - the first men to reach Europe...
0:35:30 > 0:35:33- "..belonged to this haplogroup."
0:35:33 > 0:35:36- The first to reach Europe - from Africa.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41- The first settlers - - that's fascinating.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44- I can imagine my family - as a bunch of pioneers.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49- Because it's fascinating - trying to work out...
0:35:49 > 0:35:54- ..where the talent - to perform and sing comes from...
0:35:54 > 0:35:58- ..when you're from - an agricultural background.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02- Very interesting.
0:36:03 > 0:36:04- .
0:36:05 > 0:36:07- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- The first Saturday of 2015.
0:36:11 > 0:36:16- A battle between - two of Wales' ancient tribes.
0:36:16 > 0:36:21- The Jacks against the Turks. - The Ospreys at Parc y Scarlets.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29- The nation's hearts are in the game, - but what about our DNA?
0:36:29 > 0:36:34- That's the question we're trying - to answer over the coming months.
0:36:35 > 0:36:40- Our project is a partnership between - S4C, the Trinity Mirror group...
0:36:40 > 0:36:43- ..publishers of the Western Mail - and Daily Post...
0:36:43 > 0:36:46- ..and a commercial company, - Scotland's DNA...
0:36:46 > 0:36:48- ..that are conducting the tests.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53- The excitement intensifies - as we wait for the "final score".
0:36:54 > 0:36:56- We'll be here - when the results come in...
0:36:57 > 0:36:59- ..and we'll keep - a kind of league table...
0:36:59 > 0:37:03- ..comparing Wales with England, - Scotland, Ireland and the world.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07- It will reveal - what makes us different...
0:37:07 > 0:37:09- ..and how similar we are to others.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11- Early signs suggest...
0:37:11 > 0:37:15- ..that Wales and the province - of Munster in Ireland...
0:37:15 > 0:37:18- ..are top of the table - in the Celtic league...
0:37:19 > 0:37:22- ..which indicates - the percentage of the population...
0:37:22 > 0:37:26- ..carrying the Celtic genetic - marker, starting with our baby...
0:37:26 > 0:37:28- ..back in the Beaker era.
0:37:30 > 0:37:35- But does that tally with the way - the public think about their roots?
0:37:35 > 0:37:41- Before the game, we're giving - the fans a taster of what's to come.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44- Good afternoon. - You're the first to visit us today.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48- Where do you think - you came from originally?
0:37:50 > 0:37:52- Definitely Celtic.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55- Definitely Celtic.- - People must place pink stickers...
0:37:55 > 0:38:00- ..on the boards which show their - grandmothers' family backgrounds...
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- ..and blue stickers - for their grandfathers'.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06- Celts, Anglo-Saxons.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08- Are you a Viking?
0:38:08 > 0:38:11- Vikings or elsewhere in the world.
0:38:11 > 0:38:12- I want to be a Celt.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15- I want to be a Celt.- - If it's in the blood, I'm a Celt.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18- I feel I'm a Celt.
0:38:18 > 0:38:19- A Celt, I guess.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21- A Celt, I guess.- - I hope I come from Wales.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24- Mam comes from Llanddarog.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26- I'm a Cardi to the core.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29- Garnswllt.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31- Ireland.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33- Ireland, France, Canada.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- We've got a Celtic heritage...
0:38:36 > 0:38:39- ..but there is Anglo-Saxon blood - on my side.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45- It's a simple, unscientific study, - but there's plenty of diversity...
0:38:45 > 0:38:49- ..even among Welsh speakers.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52- My origins go back to France...
0:38:52 > 0:38:57- ..to a family called the Perrots.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02- My father, Dai Francis, used to say - we were of Huguenot descent.
0:39:02 > 0:39:07- He said there were so many people - called Francis in Carmarthenshire...
0:39:08 > 0:39:12- ..and west Glamorgan, - as well as Devereux....
0:39:12 > 0:39:14- ..and Bergiers...
0:39:14 > 0:39:17- ..half the county was from France!
0:39:17 > 0:39:22- But most of the fans - have an affinity with the Celts...
0:39:23 > 0:39:28- ..in line with the initial results - of our DNA tests.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34- It's hard to believe.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37- Back in Cardiff, too...
0:39:37 > 0:39:42- ..excitement is mounting in - anticipation of the actual results.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- I want to be Welsh - - Welsh to the core.
0:39:45 > 0:39:50- If I found out I came - from somewhere far, far, away...
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- ..beyond Offa's Dyke...
0:39:53 > 0:39:56- I am a bit nervous, I have to admit.
0:39:56 > 0:40:01- Maybe your hair colour - will give us a clue?
0:40:01 > 0:40:05- I hope so. I'm a redhead. - Celts are redheads.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09- Is that really - your natural colour, Sian?
0:40:10 > 0:40:13- I've no idea what my natural colour - is under all this!
0:40:15 > 0:40:18- Sian said she's Welsh to the core.
0:40:18 > 0:40:19- Let's find out.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24- Hello, Sian. Nice to see you.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29- We're in a salon, and according - to this information...
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- ..you carry - a redhead genetic marker.
0:40:31 > 0:40:36- I thought as much, because - at Ysgol Gymraeg Castell Nedd...
0:40:36 > 0:40:38- ..when I was a little girl...
0:40:39 > 0:40:42- ..they used to call me Cochen - (Redhead).
0:40:42 > 0:40:44- Here we go, Sian.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48- DNA Cymru.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52- "Your results - are very, very rare in Wales...
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- "..but are common in parts of Italy - and Iran.
0:40:56 > 0:41:01- "You share your results - with Tsar Nicholas II."
0:41:01 > 0:41:04- Wow!
0:41:04 > 0:41:06- "And with four British kings."
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- I'm royalty!
0:41:09 > 0:41:11- This explains a lot.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- "Forager". What a fantastic word.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18- I am a forager.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22- "It's likely that the first woman - with this genetic marker..
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- "..may have been born - in the Middle East 6,000 years ago.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29- "She would have belonged to a wider - group who foraged for plants...
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- "..and hunted birds - and small animals."
0:41:33 > 0:41:35- 6,000 years ago.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38- This is - something deeper than family.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42- This goes back further and further - into the mists of time.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- We've traced the heroic journey - of humanity...
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- ..from its earliest days.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59- But the closer we get - to present day...
0:41:59 > 0:42:02- ..the more archaeological evidence - is available.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06- But there's also room for DNA...
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- ..to help us get a clearer picture - of our nation's history....
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- ..to reveal the secrets of the past.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17- That's the aim of DNA Cymru.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22- We're trying to answer some - important historic questions.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26- What was the ancestry - of the people in the hill forts...
0:42:26 > 0:42:28- ..the ancient tribes of Wales?
0:42:31 > 0:42:33- What about the Romans?
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- Their soldiers stayed in Wales - for nearly four centuries.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44- Can we find their DNA - in our population today?
0:42:46 > 0:42:48- Once the Romans left...
0:42:48 > 0:42:50- ..the Saxons came to Britain.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55- But what exactly happened - to the indigenous tribes?
0:42:56 > 0:43:00- How much do we really know about - the Britons' migration to the west?
0:43:01 > 0:43:04- The Saxons - weren't the last invaders...
0:43:04 > 0:43:06- ..to reach British shores.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11- The name, "Viking", still scares us.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15- But does the Vikings' DNA - still flow in our blood?
0:43:17 > 0:43:21- What about those other - fierce conquerors - the Normans?
0:43:22 > 0:43:26- Have they too left their mark - on the nation's genetics?
0:43:26 > 0:43:29- The picture wouldn't be complete...
0:43:29 > 0:43:33- ..without investigating - the part played by the thousands...
0:43:33 > 0:43:37- ..who've come to Wales - in the last 250 years...
0:43:37 > 0:43:41- ..since the beginning - of the Industrial Revolution.
0:43:42 > 0:43:44- So everyone is welcome to join us.
0:43:45 > 0:43:49- The tests are available to everyone, - regardless of family background...
0:43:49 > 0:43:52- ..or how recently - you've come to Wales.
0:43:52 > 0:43:54- Thank you very much.
0:43:54 > 0:43:56- Many of the nation's stars...
0:43:57 > 0:44:01- ..have already learnt the name - and number of their haplogroups.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05- Many more well-known faces - are waiting to hear their results.
0:44:06 > 0:44:10- Hooray! Some Riesling from Germany - with my chromosome label!
0:44:11 > 0:44:14- But can we trace the DNA - of our most famous family?
0:44:14 > 0:44:16- The Tudors...
0:44:16 > 0:44:19- ..who seized the English crown.
0:44:23 > 0:44:25- # We're still here #
0:44:26 > 0:44:29- But DNA Cymru - is the history of the people.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31- We're still here...
0:44:31 > 0:44:33- ..but who are we?
0:44:33 > 0:44:36- Initial test results suggest...
0:44:36 > 0:44:39- ..that the Welsh - have a very distinct profile.
0:44:41 > 0:44:45- But we need many more results - to prove the point.
0:44:48 > 0:44:52- Before the project launch ended - in Cardiff Bay...
0:44:52 > 0:44:54- ..there was one final secret...
0:44:55 > 0:44:58- ..to reveal - to one member of the audience.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01- Our experts believe - they may have found...
0:45:02 > 0:45:04- ..a quintessentially Welsh - haplogroup.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08- We've called it Ancient Welsh. - It's very rare, even in Wales.
0:45:10 > 0:45:14- They say that 3% of Welsh people - may belong to this group.
0:45:14 > 0:45:18- Apart from a small number - in the south of England...
0:45:18 > 0:45:21- ..there's no sign of it - elsewhere in the world.
0:45:22 > 0:45:28- If the Welsh retreated to the west - when the Saxons arrived...
0:45:28 > 0:45:31- ..have we found their bloodline?
0:45:33 > 0:45:36- Indeed, might this - unique sub-haplogroup...
0:45:36 > 0:45:41- ..originate directly - from the British princes...
0:45:41 > 0:45:44- ..from the time - of the Welsh legends?
0:45:44 > 0:45:50- We hope to find people - with this special marker.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54- Dafydd Iwan, you're one of them.
0:46:03 > 0:46:05- I don't know what to say.
0:46:05 > 0:46:07- You're "related to Arthur".
0:46:08 > 0:46:10- My brother Arthur?
0:46:12 > 0:46:15- Here's your DNA pack. - Many congratulations.
0:46:15 > 0:46:17- Isn't that wonderful?
0:46:21 > 0:46:25- For royals and for ordinary folk...
0:46:25 > 0:46:27- ..the journey has only just begun.
0:46:29 > 0:46:33- There's much more to discover - about our DNA.
0:46:33 > 0:46:37- The tests are continuing. - Who are the Welsh?
0:46:37 > 0:46:43- The Saxons had a name for us - the - Wealhas - the Welsh, the foreigners.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49- We call ourselves Cymry in Welsh...
0:46:49 > 0:46:52- ..which means fellow natives...
0:46:52 > 0:46:54- ..or compatriots.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58- But what this epic journey - of our DNA suggests...
0:46:59 > 0:47:02- ..is that we - should go further than that.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05- We're not just people - who share one country.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08- So, who are we? Who are the Welsh?
0:47:09 > 0:47:14- We belong to a family - that shares an entire planet.
0:47:16 > 0:47:19- But what is our place - within that family?
0:47:19 > 0:47:24- Thanks to science, we're closer - to the answer than ever before.
0:47:24 > 0:47:28- With your help, - DNA Cymru can get even closer.
0:47:59 > 0:48:02- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:48:02 > 0:48:03- .