While DNA provides the most direct evidence of ancient skin color, researchers have also looked to art for clues. Ancient Egyptian artworks, for example, often depict women with lighter skin than men.

Most prehistoric Europeans had dark skin ... people to synthesize more vitamin D — needed for healthy bones, teeth and muscles — in Europe's weaker sunlight. But lighter eye color — blue ...

A recent DNA study challenges long-held beliefs about the evolution of skin color in ancient Europeans, revealing that the majority may have had dark skin as recently as 3,000 years ago.