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Britain's First Homo Sapiens

November 5, 2026 · 53 min

Show notes

What was it like to share Britain with Neanderthals and cave hyenas 40,000 years ago?


Tristan Hughes ventures deep underground to Kents Cavern, a glittering labyrinth affectionately known as Britain’s first home. He's joined by archaeological scientist Dr. Helen Fewlass on a live, groundbreaking excavation. Together they discover how cutting-edge science and ancient stone tools are rewriting the story of the first Homo sapiens.


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Presented by Tristan Hughes. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Produced by Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds

The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.

History Hit is part of Little Dot Studios, a Certified B Corp™


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The Arrival project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the PI only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Council. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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