Scientists Find Structure Older Than Humanity
Scientists have found a new old kid on the block that predates the existence of Homo sapiens, according to Nature. Dating back to 476,000 years ago, primitive wooden tools and structures were found at a site in Kalambo Falls, Zambia that provide significant insight into the lives of our early ancestors.
Tools and various structures predating Homo sapiens were recently uncovered in Southern Africa.
Predating the Stone Age by a significant margin, this archeological discovery suggests that ancient hominins knew a thing or two about construction, and may not have necessarily been totally nomadic like we originally thought.
This landmark discovery tells us that this unknown species of hominins were very resourceful with their surroundings, and the structure tells researchers that they were intelligent enough to think abstractly. The research suggests that the wood structure was comprised of “two interlocking logs joined transversely by an intentionally cut notch.”
Professor Larry Barham from the University of Liverpool’s Department of Archeology, is amazed that hominins were able to use their intelligence and imagination to conceptualize and build a structure that not only housed them at the time of its construction, but still remains partially intact almost half a million years later.
Near the large structure, archeologists also found a digging stick, a cut log, a wedge, and a notched branch that were perfectly preserved where they were left due to the fact that they were waterlogged, and not degraded by bacteria.
The most profound discovery about this species of hominins is the fact that they probably settled in one place for an extended period of time. Most experts would have reason to believe that early humans would still be in a phase of hunting and gathering, but the fact that they were making crude tools and building structures tells us otherwise. Experts have reason to believe that the excavated structure was probably the foundation of a much larger dwelling.
Before this discovery, researchers only had evidence suggesting that early humans used wood to make fires and crude spears. But the idea of hominins settling in one spot for an extended period of time isn’t what’s most impressive about this discovery.
Leading researcher, Professor Larry Barham from the University of Liverpool’s Department of Archeology, is amazed that hominins were able to use their intelligence and imagination to conceptualize and build a structure that not only housed them at the time of its construction, but still remains partially intact almost half a million years later.
Though more research on the area needs to be conducted, what we currently know is that hominins from Kalambo Falls, Zambia found an ideal location that boasted an abundant source of water, as well as enough vegetation from the neighboring forest for them to create an early settlement.
This landmark discovery tells us that this unknown species of hominins were very resourceful with their surroundings, and the structure tells researchers that they were intelligent enough to think abstractly.
It remains to be seen how long these hominins lived in this one location, but considering that they stayed in one place long enough to fashion tools and build housing, it’s safe to say that they at the very least found a place to call home long enough to make themselves comfortable.
As scientists look to space to find the origins of our universe, it’s crazy to think that intelligent human life existed nearly half a million years ago on our own planet in the form of hominins that are still teaching us about our own early origins. The current research has forever altered our perspective of early humans, and will continue to do so if more artifacts are recovered.
