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Prehistoric archaeological discoveries in Ireland

Overview

Archaeological research in southwest Ireland is challenging established timelines regarding prehistoric human habitation and migration. Through the ‘Lost Land Bridge Project’, researchers have identified rock art, charcoal paintings, and clay markings in eight cave sites. These findings suggest human presence on the island may date back approximately 15,000 years, potentially predating previous estimates by 5,000 years. The discoveries support a theory that hunter-gatherers migrated from Wales to Ireland via a land bridge that existed during the last Ice Age.

Additionally, new analysis has revised previous understandings of Neolithic transitions. Mass spectrometry protein testing on animal remains from Ferriter’s Cove in County Kerry has reclassified bones once thought to be 6,500-year-old domestic cattle. The remains have been identified as wild boar and a bear species, removing evidence previously used to argue that Irish hunter-gatherers had contact with Neolithic farmers before 4000 B.C.E.

Entities

University of Liverpool · Ireland · University College Dublin · Ferriter's Cove · Lost Land Bridge Project

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Archaeological discoveries in Ireland suggest human presence 15,000 years ago

    New archaeological findings in Irish caves, including engravings and paintings, suggest human presence on the island as far back as 15,000 years ago, potentially rewriting regional history.

  2. 7 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Archaeological discoveries in Ireland rewrite prehistoric history

    New archaeological discoveries in Ireland, including 15,000-year-old cave art and the reclassification of ancient animal bones, are rewriting the timeline of human migration and farming on the island.

Sources

dailynewsupdate.net · newstalk.com · spacedaily.com · thecooldown.com