Archaeologists discover the world’s oldest wooden structure in Zambia, dating back nearly 500,000 years.
A novel luminescence dating technique reveals our ancestors’ advanced skills.
In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have unearthed an ancient wooden structure in Zambia that’s nearly half a million years old, predating the existence of Homo Sapiens. This structure, believed to be the oldest of its kind in the world, showcases marks indicating early humans’ use of sharp stone tools to meticulously shape and join logs. This revelation suggests that our ancestors were far more advanced than previously believed, potentially reshaping our understanding of Stone Age life.
The structure, possibly part of a walkway or platform, was found on the banks of the Kalambo River. While wooden artifacts from this era are rare due to their perishable nature, this site also yielded wooden tools, including a wedge and digging stick. What’s truly revolutionary is the dating technique applied. Researchers from the University of Liverpool and Aberystwyth University employed a novel method called luminescence dating. This technique determines age based on the last time minerals were exposed to sunlight. Astonishingly, the structure’s age was determined to be at least 476,000 years, much older than anticipated.
Professor Larry Barham from the University of Liverpool expressed his amazement, stating that this discovery has profoundly altered his perception of early ancestors. He emphasized their intelligence, imagination, and skills in creating something unprecedented. “These folks were more like us than we thought,” he was quoted.
Curious about this game-changing dating technique and the implications of this discovery? Dive deeper into the story and explore the past like never before. [Read more here].
