Additional fossil treasures unearthed in mammoth graveyard.
Mammoth tusks and teeth were found during a recent dig at the site that inspired Sir David Attenborough’s documentary.
Several steppe mammoth bones were found in Cerney Wick, near Cirencester, in 2019.
The estimated age of the site is 220,000 years. Neanderthal hand axes, bison skeletons, and a shark fin from the distant past are among the other noteworthy fossils unearthed.
Dr. Neville Hollingworth, the dig’s head and Sally’s husband, was “absolutely blown away” when questioned.
“We’re uncovering new details about the creatures that lived in this region during that era,” Mr. Hollingworth said.
In order to begin digging, the site had to be mined for gravel, which exposed the prehistoric layers.
The initial discovery were among the most important Paleolithic discoveries in the United Kingdom. This site may be from 220,000 years ago, when steppe mammoths—ancestors of woolly mammoths—were at their peak.
It was permitted to revert to its lake status before being drained to make way for this second massive excavation.
The location was likely a river at one point, and the fossils were buried in the riverbed silt and boulders.
Some of the mammoth teeth discovered have even retained their roots, demonstrating how perfectly preserved they are.
The remains of a tiny mammoth and a much larger one’s half tusks have been discovered with its shoulder bones.
An incomplete bison skull with its horns and a bison rib bone connected to a vertebra were discovered.
Students from over 20 colleges and universities around the nation have joined the experts and volunteers, with many even setting up tents at the dig.
A statement from the project’s dig leader, Sally Hollingworth, read: “It’s a unique opportunity for them to be involved in not only the fieldwork and excavation, but also cataloguing and conservation of the finds afterwards.”
When asked about the possibility, student Evan Cozens of Bristol University commented, “It’s indescribable how incredible it is.”Nowhere else, maybe even in the globe, will you find something comparable. Being a part of this at the beginning of my career is priceless.
“This is the site that keeps on giving,” remarked Hills Quarry Products’ group director, Peter Andrew.
We’ve struck it rich thus far. Even more so than last year, the chance to bring the students together has been absolutely remarkable.
“You never know what you’re going to find but I had an inkling on this dig and we’ve found far more than we ever expected” according to Dr. Hollingworth.
“It’s all added to the pieces of the jigsaw for this site and what lived and died here.”Time stands still as we unearth more Jurassic artifacts and Neanderthal axes; the history is mind-boggling.
The excavation is scheduled to conclude on August 5th, after which the artifacts will be carefully studied and preserved.
