The gum, believed to have been chewed by a teenage girl around 10,500 years ago, contains traces of saliva, revealing surprising details about the girl’s appearance and lifestyle. It was analyzed by researchers at the University of Tartu’s Institute of History and Archaeology, who extracted DNA from the saliva, revealing that the girl likely had brown eyes and brown hair. This finding offers not only a rare glimpse into the past but also challenges the conventional image of northern Europeans as fair-haired and blue-eyed.
A Glimpse Into Prehistoric Health and Culture
The prehistoric birch tar was not just used for chewing. According to the researchers, it had practical applications such as relieving toothaches and acting as an adhesive for tools and pots. Bettany Hughes, historian and presenter of Treasures of the World, highlighted that birch tar was also one of the earliest forms of glue, used by people thousands of years ago for a variety of functions. This discovery is part of a growing trend of analyzing ancient “chewing gum” found across Europe, which has provided key information about the diets, health, and lifestyles of prehistoric people.
The tar’s antiseptic properties suggest it may have been used as a remedy for dental issues, as well as a way to seal broken tools. This finding aligns with previous studies on similar substances from other parts of Europe, where birch tar has been shown to have multiple uses beyond simple consumption.
Rewriting the History of Northern Europeans
One of the most striking aspects of the discovery is what it reveals about the girl who chewed the gum. DNA analysis indicated that the teenager had brown hair and brown eyes, challenging the long-standing belief that early northern Europeans all had fair hair and blue eyes. This discovery, reported by the University of Tartu, adds complexity to our understanding of the genetic makeup of prehistoric populations in Europe. It raises the possibility that the genetic diversity in ancient Europe was far broader than previously thought.
The chewing gum discovery is part of a larger set of archaeological findings that continue to shed light on life in prehistoric Estonia. Other significant finds include a 12th-century skeleton, known as the “Kukruse Lady,” who was buried with a fertilized bird’s egg, and an 800-year-old metal cross with unique fertility symbols. These discoveries, along with the gum, suggest that Estonia, with its rich history and diverse landscapes, was home to a complex and multifaceted society long before the rise of modern civilizations.
For historians like Bettany Hughes, the gum serves as a tangible link to a distant past. “This shows how one throwaway item can bring us face-to-face with the people of the past,” she remarked, emphasizing the power of small discoveries to change our understanding of history. In an era where ancient history is often uncovered through advanced technologies and detailed analysis, findings like this remind us that even the most mundane objects, like chewing gum, can offer extraordinary insights into the lives of those who came before us.