In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have unearthed ancient wooden logs along the banks of a river in Zambia, revolutionizing our understanding of early human civilizations.
In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have unearthed ancient wooden logs along the banks of a river in Zambia, revolutionizing our understanding of early human civilizations.
The research reveals that these wooden remnants were employed in constructing a structure nearly half a million years ago, challenging the prevailing belief that ancient humans led simple, nomadic lives.
Published in the journal Nature, these findings stem from the efforts of the Deep Roots of Humanity research project led by archaeologist Prof Larry Barham from the University of Liverpool. The research team’s excavation and analysis of the ancient timber suggest that Stone Age individuals may have built primitive shelters.
“This find has changed how I think about our early ancestors,” remarked Prof Larry Barham, emphasizing the transformative nature of the discovery.
The ancient logs, some overlapping, offer a glimpse into the architectural ingenuity of early humans. Prof Barham underscored the significance of this finding, stating, “They made something new, and large, from wood… They used their intelligence, imagination and skills to create something they’d never seen before, something that had never previously existed.”
The excavation also yielded ancient wooden tools, including digging sticks. However, two pieces of wood, positioned at right angles and featuring notches carved by stone tools, stood out as particularly remarkable. These interlocking logs suggest intentional construction for structural purposes, revealing a level of sophistication previously unattributed to ancient civilizations.
The age of the wooden artifacts, estimated at approximately 476,000 years, was determined using luminescence dating. This technique relies on the accumulation of natural radioactivity within rock grains over time, allowing scientists to gauge the age of the surrounding environment.
The size of the logs, one measuring approximately 1.5 meters (5 feet), indicates that the structure was likely intended for substantial use. While it may not have served as a permanent dwelling, the team speculates it could have formed part of a platform for a shelter, possibly alongside a river for fishing purposes.
The identity of the ancient humans who constructed this wooden structure remains a mystery. No accompanying bone fragments have been discovered thus far, and the age of the wood predates the earliest known Homo sapien fossils by over 150,000 years.
“It could have been Homo sapiens and we just haven’t discovered fossils from that age yet,” noted Prof Geoff Duller, a member of the research team. Alternatively, it might be attributed to other hominid species present in southern Africa during that era, such as Homo erectus or Homo naledi.
The well-preserved wooden artifacts, transported to the UK for analysis and preservation, are now stored in waterlogged conditions mimicking their original environment. They will eventually return to Zambia for public display, offering a unique window into ancient woodworking techniques and human interactions with the environment.
This remarkable discovery not only challenges existing perceptions of early human capabilities but also promises to enrich our understanding of ancient civilizations, shedding light on their technological advancements and the complexities of their interactions with the natural world.
The ongoing work at the Kalambo Falls site holds the potential to unveil further insights into ancient craftsmanship and woodworking traditions, providing invaluable contributions to the study of human history.