A family holiday to Pembroke Castle in Wales has led to an extraordinary archaeological discovery that could reshape our understanding of Britain's prehistory. John Bolton, an archaeologist, stumbled upon a hidden cave beneath the castle during his visit in 2010. This serendipitous find piqued his interest, and he convinced Dr. Rob Dinnis from the University of Aberdeen to explore it further.
What followed was a series of small excavations that revealed a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and evidence of early human and animal life. The most remarkable discovery was the bones of a hippopotamus that roamed Wales 120,000 years ago. This find is significant because it provides a glimpse into the animal species that thrived during various climatic variations and how humans adapted to these changes.
The Wogan Cavern, previously thought to have been extensively excavated by the Victorians, has remarkably preserved its archaeological material. This is a unique find, as many caves were 'emptied out' during the 1800s, losing valuable information. Dr. Dinnis emphasizes the potential of this site, stating that they can extract DNA from bones and sediment, offering insights into the presence and activities of early humans.
The discovery has sparked excitement among archaeologists and historians. Dr. Jonquil Mogg of the Pembroke Castle Trust describes it as 'mind-blowing' and believes it could unlock a deeper understanding of Britain's prehistory. The finds will be curated and displayed in Pembroke, ensuring the collection is accessible to the people of Wales and beyond.
This discovery raises intriguing questions about the past and the potential for further revelations. It highlights the importance of serendipity in archaeology and the need to explore hidden places. As we delve deeper into the secrets of Wogan Cavern, we may uncover a wealth of information about our early prehistoric ancestors and the environments they inhabited. The story of this discovery serves as a reminder that even a casual visit to a historic site can lead to groundbreaking findings, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past and inspiring further exploration.
