The cave beneath Pembroke Castle and the fate of the early Britons

In the historical landscape of Britain, ancient castles are dotted with each holding the secrets of the past within its stone walls. Pembroke Castle, a majestic castle in Wales, is one such site. Recent explorations have revealed a cave beneath the castle that may offer new insights into the fate of the early Britons. This rich discovery promises historical and archaeological significance, shedding light on the lives of the people who inhabited this area thousands of years ago.

1. Discover the cave under Pembroke Castle.

In a remarkable turn of events, archaeologists discovered a previously unknown cave beneath Pembroke Castle. This cave, which has been hiding for centuries, was discovered during routine maintenance work. The entrance, which was hidden by rubble and enlarged vegetation, remained unnoticed by historians and archaeologists alike, making its discovery a dramatic breakthrough.

2. History of Pembroke Castle Cave.

The history of the cave beneath Pembroke Castle is intertwined with the castle's past. The castle, dating back to the eleventh century, was built on a strategic promontory overlooking the Pembroke River. However, the origins of the cave predate the castle by several thousand years. Preliminary examinations indicate that it was used by humans during the prehistoric era, making it a site of great archaeological importance.

3. History of Pembroke Castle.

Pembroke Castle itself is a monument of medieval architecture, built by the Normans in 1093. It played a crucial role in the defence of South Wales and was associated with many historical events, including the birth of Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch. The strategic importance of the castle and its continuous occupation over the centuries make it an archive of rich historical narratives.

4. Evidence of the presence of the first Britons in the cave.

Archaeologists inside the cave have discovered a collection of artifacts that indicate its use by the early British. These include flint tools, pottery fragments, and animal bones. However, the most interesting finds are animal fat remains on the cave's walls and floor, suggesting that the cave may have been used for cooking or other household activities.

These findings provide a window into the lives of early Britons. The transition from a hunter-gatherer society to a more stable agricultural society is a key stage in British prehistory. Evidence of domesticated animal fats also suggests that the inhabitants of this cave were part of this transformative period, contributing to understanding how the early Britons adapted to their environment and developed new ways of living.

5. Interpret the fats found in the cave of Pembroke Castle.

6. Schedule of use of the cave.

Stratification of sediments within the cave provides a time frame for understanding its use over time. Radiocarbon dating of organic matter in different layers revealed a timeline spanning several thousand years. The first layers, dating from the late Mesolithic period (circa 6000 BCE), show evidence of hunting and fruit-gathering activities, including the use of wild animal fats. The transition to the Neolithic period (c. 4000 BC) was marked by the introduction of domesticated animal fats, indicating a shift towards agricultural practices.

As the Bronze Age progressed (c. 2500 BC), the use of the cave became more organized, with more permanent fireplaces and evidence of sustainable household activities. The Iron Age (which began around 800 BC) brought further changes, with increasing evidence of complex cooking methods and possibly collective feasting practices, as indicated by the diversity and abundance of animal fats.

7. Interpretation and broader implications.

The presence of domesticated animal fat in the cave is an important sign of the transition from nomadic to sedentary lifestyles. This shift is critical to understanding the broader patterns of human evolution and community development in early Britain. The identification of various animal fats and their pyrolysis products indicates a thorough understanding of cooking and food preservation techniques among cave dwellers.

Evidence on cooking methods, including roasting and boiling, suggests a degree of sophistication in cooking and dietary planning. This is confirmed by the presence of pottery pieces that were used in cooking and storing food. The evolution of these practices over time reflects the ability of the early Britons to adapt and be adept in their quest for sustenance and stability.

8. Future research and its implications

The cave beneath Pembroke Castle opened a new chapter in the study of the early Britons. Future research will focus on detailed excavations and analyses to uncover more artifacts and biological waste. These investigations will help build a more comprehensive picture of the region's prehistoric population, diet, social structure, and interactions with their environment.

Conclusion.

The cave beneath Pembroke Castle emerged as an important site for understanding Britain's early history. The discovery of animal fats and other artefacts provides invaluable clues about the lives of early Britons, highlighting their eating habits, technological advances, and social structures. With further research, this cave will undoubtedly continue to reveal the secrets of a bygone era, enriching knowledge of the ancient inhabitants of the British Isles.