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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 202109:50GMT
BBC World Service

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  • Sat 26 Jun 202104:50GMT
    BBC World Service except East Asia & South Asia
  • Sun 27 Jun 202113:50GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Sun 27 Jun 202121:50GMT
    BBC World Service except East Asia & South Asia
  • Mon 28 Jun 202102:50GMT
    BBC World Service South Asia & East Asia only
  • Mon 28 Jun 202109:50GMT
    BBC World Service

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