The cave would have been one point in this seasonal round — a place of particular significance, perhaps because of the water source, perhaps because of the shelter, perhaps because of its role in burial practices, perhaps for multiple overlapping reasons.

The Teeth: A Window Into Health

Beyond the DNA, Cheddar Man’s teeth tell their own story about his health and his diet.

His teeth were in notably good condition.

Unlike the teeth of Neolithic farmers — who began eating carbohydrates and cooked starchy foods in large quantities, leading to significant dental caries (tooth decay) — Cheddar Man’s teeth showed little evidence of decay.

This is consistent with a diet high in protein and low in fermentable carbohydrates: meat, fish, nuts, and berries produce relatively little dental decay compared to bread, porridge, and other processed plant foods.