Scientists Have Discovered a Structure and Tools That Are Older Than Humanity Itself

 

Everything we thought we knew about Stone Age hominins has been turned upside down. Researchers have discovered an ancient structure nearly half a million years old, and what it reveals has ultimately changed the common perception of these ancient species. More work on the field will certainly provide more information.

Exploring tools and structure

A research team of experts from the University of Liverpool and Aberystwyth University have found primitive wooden tools and structures dating back 476,000 years at a site in Kalambo Falls, Zambia. The earliest known Homo sapien fossils are approximately 300,000 years old, meaning this discovery predates them significantly.

Since no human remains were found at the site, Professor Larry Barham of the Department of Archeology at the University of Liverpool believes the tools and structure were made by a species called Homo heidelbergensis, which lived about 700,000–200,000 years ago, which had large eyebrows. . , with a flatter face and larger braincase than earlier hominins.

At the site, researchers found a digging stick, a nail, a notched branch, and a chopped log. These objects were extremely well preserved considering their age, as they were surrounded by clay sediments, which kept the wooden objects in an oxygen-free environment.

Homo heidelbergensis wasn't as nomadic as we initially thought

For a long time, scientists believed that these early species were a nomadic group, moving from place to place to survive. However, the discovery of this structure suggests that they did not rotate as much as originally thought. The fact that they were making tools means that they were not necessarily dependent on hunting and gathering the way we believed they were. Additionally, the tools show that they knew a thing or two about simple construction.

Researchers believe that the structure found at Kalambo Falls may be part of a larger settlement. It was constructed "from two interlocking logs joined transversely by a deliberately cut notch." This is far more advanced than the capability of a completely nomadic species.

As Barham explains, "The structure could have supported a walkway or platform raised above seasonally wet surroundings. A platform may have had several purposes including storage of firewood, tools, food and as a foundation to hold a hut. Is included.

He adds that “The structure involves the deliberate shaping of two trees to form the outline of two interlocking supports. A notch was cut in the upper log and the tree below was shaped to fit through the notch. This arrangement prevents the upper logs from shifting from one side to the other, providing stability to the structure."

Most interestingly, Homo heidelbergensis' construction of wooden structures suggests that they were settling in one place for an extended period. Although it is not clear how long this may have been, it is clear that given the access to water and ample vegetation, they found Kalambo Falls an ideal place for settlement.

Changing our perception of human history

This discovery effectively changes our perception of ancient history. Before then, the only evidence of the more advanced intelligence of the species of that period was the ability to make crude spears from wood and make fire. Now, Homo heidelbergensis has proven to be much more resourceful in its environment.

"This discovery changes the way I think about our earliest ancestors," Barham said in a press release from the University of Liverpool. "Forget the 'Stone Age' label, look at what these people were doing: they created something new and greater out of wood. They used their intelligence, imagination and skill to create something that was never seen before, Something that never existed before.

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Not only did they demonstrate advanced intelligence, but they were also able to use it to conceptualize and build a rudimentary housing structure, allowing them to settle in one place. The fact that such artifacts were preserved for so long is a miracle in itself, and hopefully more research will reveal even more information about these ancient hominins.