'Mind-blowing' ancient bones discovery sparked by family holiday
Archaeologists have discovered rare prehistoric animal bones and early human evidence in Wogan Cavern, located beneath Pembroke Castle in Wales. The site, which was previously thought to be fully excavated by Victorians, will now undergo a five-year study.
Why it matters
This discovery has the potential to significantly rewrite the history of early human and animal migration in Britain.
Figure caption, The "once in a lifetime" discovery could rewrite history, researchers say
A family holiday sparked a series of "remarkable" archaeological discoveries which one expert says could change what is currently known about Britain's prehistory.
John Bolton, an archaeologist, was visiting the 11th Century Pembroke Castle in 2010 when he heard there was a cave beneath it.
His interest grew when he discovered that the cave, known as Wogan Cavern, showed little signs of previous excavation - so he "badgered" Dr Rob Dinnis, from the University of Aberdeen, to take a look.
Small digs have since uncovered "extremely rare" evidence of early humans and animals - including the bones of a hippopotamus which roamed Wales 120,000 years ago.
The University of Aberdeen will now lead a larger five-year exploration of the site, which archaeologists hope could reveal "a great deal about our early prehistoric forebears".
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