Cave Art Discovery: Early Humans in Ireland from Wales?
BBC News Report
This BBC News article reveals an exciting archaeological find suggesting a connection between Wales and early human settlement in Ireland.
Researchers Uncover Ancient Cave Art:
Researchers, led by Dr George Nash from Liverpool University, have unearthed eight cave sites in south-west Ireland featuring rock art dating back to at least 15,000 years ago—a significant find compared to the previously known oldest human remains in Ireland.
The Lost Land Bridge Theory:
During the last Ice Age, sea levels dropped, creating a land bridge between modern-day Pembrokeshire (Wales) and the south-east tip of Ireland. Dr Nash posits that this pathway would have been an attractive route for hunter-gatherers to cross over.
Environmental Conditions:
The "lost land bridge" area is described as a forested and grassland plateau, with summertime temperatures ranging from -10°C to -20°C. This harsh climate supported various wildlife, including wild horses, mammoth, bison, and reindeer, providing sustenance for early humans.
The Search and Methodology:
Dr Nash, driven by his belief in the likelihood of human migration across this land bridge, assembled a multi-disciplinary team. They utilized advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to identify potential cave sites in Ireland based on known characteristics of caves in south Wales.
Cave Art Findings:
The team's efforts led to the discovery of eight caves with rock art, dating from 15,000 years ago and possibly even earlier. This art provides compelling evidence that early humans crossed over from Wales into Ireland.
This discovery challenges previous assumptions about human settlement in Ireland, suggesting a more complex history than previously believed.