The largest of the Channel Islands, when you think of Jersey, it's doubtful that Neanderthals, Woolly Mammoths, and Woolly Rhinoceroses come to mind. But thanks to 20th-century excavations and advancing science in the modern age, we now know that Jersey was one of the largest sites of Neanderthal occupation in Northwestern Europe. With over 200,000 stone tools discovered and skeletal evidence of both Neanderthals and Mega Fauna, it was an island where many coexisted. But how were these incredible items found, and how did Nazi Occupation nearly prevent these brilliant discoveries?

In this episode, Tristan welcomes Dr. Matt Pope, the leader of excavations at the Neanderthal site of La Cotte de St Brelade in Jersey, to talk about his team's work and excavations. Looking at how sea levels changed over time, the discovery of Bone Heaps, and Neanderthal migrations, what was Jersey like in the Ice Age, and what remnants of the past can we still see on the island's surface today?

Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.

You can take part in our listener survey here.

For more Ancient's content, subscribe to our Ancient's newsletter here.