The discovery of an 'enormous' cave hidden beneath Pembroke Castle has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of Britain's prehistory, according to researchers. This hidden archaeological treasure trove, known as Wogan Cavern, has already revealed 'extremely rare' evidence of early human and animal life, including the bones of a hippopotamus that roamed Wales 120,000 years ago. The University of Aberdeen is now embarking on a five-year exploration of this site, which promises to offer a wealth of insights into our early prehistoric ancestors.
The cave, measuring 23 meters in length and up to 10 meters in height, was initially thought to have been dug out by the Victorians. However, excavations between 2021 and 2024 have uncovered a rich archaeological record spanning over 100,000 years. The bones found within the cave are remarkably well-preserved, and researchers are optimistic about the potential for further discoveries.
Dr. Rob Dinnis, who directed the initial digs and will lead the new project, emphasizes the significance of Wogan Cavern. He states, 'Despite the limited work done so far, we can already say that Wogan Cavern is a truly remarkable site. Not only is there extremely rare evidence for early Homo sapiens, but there are also hints at even earlier human occupation, probably by Neanderthals.'
The new excavation project aims to explore a long sequence of human activity, from hunter-gatherers living in the cave immediately after the last Ice Age around 11,500 years ago, back to Britain's earliest Homo sapiens between 45,000 and 35,000 years ago, and possibly even earlier traces left by Neanderthals. The discovery of hippo bones dating to the last interglacial period, approximately 120,000 years ago, further highlights the site's potential to provide valuable insights into the impact of climate and environmental changes on early human populations.
The University of Aberdeen's exploration of Wogan Cavern is supported by the Pembroke Castle Trust, which plans to curate and preserve the findings in Pembroke. This project marks an exciting new chapter in the castle's history, offering a unique glimpse into the medieval past that differs from the typical historical narratives associated with the site.
The new excavations are set to commence at the end of May, and the findings are expected to provide a wealth of information about the lives and environments of early prehistoric humans in Britain. This discovery underscores the importance of continued archaeological exploration in revealing the complexities and mysteries of our past.
