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Maths and the Mayflower

Rob Eastaway examines the mathematics of genealogy and asks whether there could really be 35 million descendants from the American Mayflower pilgrims.

This year sees the delayed 400th anniversary celebrations of the Mayflower voyage, an event seen as a crucial moment in the history of the United States. But how many people alive today can trace back their lineage to those first 102 passengers? Tim speaks to Rob Eastaway and Dr Misha Ewen about maths and the Mayflower.

Producer: Nathan Gower

(The replica ship Mayflower II sailing to Plymouth, Massachusetts. Photo: Scott Eisen/Getty images)

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9 minutes

Last on

Mon 28 Jun 2021 09:50GMT
麻豆社 World Service

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  • Sat 26 Jun 2021 04:50GMT
    麻豆社 World Service except East Asia & South Asia
  • Sun 27 Jun 2021 13:50GMT
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  • Mon 28 Jun 2021 02:50GMT
    麻豆社 World Service South Asia & East Asia only
  • Mon 28 Jun 2021 09:50GMT
    麻豆社 World Service

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