Abstract: The possibility to retrieve and amplify DNA from ancient bones facilitates an understanding of evolutionary forces and dynamics of past populations. As "global warming" and "climatic change" are common topics throughout the world today, it's important to have accurate knowledge of the genetic response of populations to environmental changes and its basal mechanisms. Prior studies of this kind were restricted to theoretical biology. Yet, as ancient DNA of different ages (up to 500.000 years) can be studied, more and more empirical data is available. Mathematical models such as the Kingman's coalescent can be used for simulating population dynamics. Such models can help in the interpretation of temporal ancient DNA data as well as in drawing conclusions about the fate of past and present populations.