The recent discovery of ancient bones at Wogan Cavern, sparked by a family holiday, has the potential to rewrite Britain's prehistory. John Bolton, an archaeologist, stumbled upon the cave beneath Pembroke Castle in 2010, and his curiosity led to a remarkable find. The cave, with its intact calcite floor, suggested that little had been removed, and this piqued Bolton's interest in the Paleolithic era. He eventually convinced Dr. Rob Dinnis from the University of Aberdeen to take a look, and small digs have since uncovered a treasure trove of evidence, including the bones of a hippopotamus that roamed Wales 120,000 years ago.
This discovery is significant for several reasons. Firstly, the fact that the cave was never excavated before means that the archaeological material is largely intact, providing a unique opportunity to study the past. Dr. Dinnis highlights the potential to extract DNA from the bones and sediment, offering insights into the species that inhabited the area and how they adapted to changing environments. This is especially fascinating given the presence of a hippopotamus, which indicates a warmer climate in Wales during the Ice Age.
The discovery also raises questions about the dating of previous finds. The hippopotamus remains suggest that a record dating back to before the last Ice Age is present at the site, challenging existing assumptions. This could lead to a re-evaluation of Britain's prehistory and a deeper understanding of how early humans and animals interacted with their environment. The potential for this site to unlock lost knowledge and provide new perspectives on our past is truly exciting.
However, the discovery also highlights the importance of preserving such sites. The Pembroke Castle Trust plans to curate the finds and keep them in Pembroke, ensuring that the collection is accessible to the people of Pembroke, Wales, and beyond. This is crucial, as it allows for the public to engage with and learn from the past, fostering a deeper appreciation for our shared history. The trust's commitment to preserving the finds is a testament to the importance of safeguarding our cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the discovery at Wogan Cavern is a remarkable example of how chance and curiosity can lead to significant archaeological finds. The potential for this site to offer new insights into Britain's prehistory is immense, and the preservation of the finds is essential to ensuring that this knowledge is accessible to all. As we continue to explore and uncover the past, it is important to remember the value of such discoveries and the role they play in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
