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Calambo Falls is not just a beautiful place. It's a story frozen in time.
Archaeologists from Europe and Africa have discovered the oldest wooden structure, which is almost half a million years old. This indicates that an unknown species of hominid that existed before us, Homo sapiens, was probably responsible for its creation.
The researchers published their results in the scientific journal Nature. They reported that they found a wooden structure made of two interconnected logs connected by a cross cutout in the area near the Kalambo Waterfall in Zambia. Dating points to a distant 476,000 years ago. At the same site, which scientists believe could have served as the basis for a dwelling or platform, four tools made of wood were found: a digging stick, a cut log, a wedge and a jagged branch, each of which also dates back to a time before the appearance of modern humans.
"This discovery has changed my understanding of our early ancestors," said Larry Barham, professor of archaeology at the University of Liverpool and lead author of the paper. "Forget the 'stone Age' tag, look at what these people were doing: they created something new and big out of wood. They used their intelligence, imagination, and skills to create something that they had never seen before, something that had never existed before."
The tree was preserved because the waters of the Calambo Falls constantly flooded it, isolating it from oxygen and bacteria that could destroy it. This find is particularly important as the tree is rarely preserved from the Early Stone Age, providing a unique glimpse into the lives of our distant ancestors.
In addition to the exciting discovery of wooden objects, the researchers noted that the find paints a more complex picture of their lives. These hominids may not have been nomads and spent a long period of time living in the area, long enough to build structures from the surrounding forests and draw fresh water from waterfalls.
Calambo Falls later became a habitat for Homo sapiens and a veritable treasure trove of archaeological finds dating back to the Stone Age. Its significance is so great that it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Of course, the discovery of the oldest man-made wooden structure should strengthen its position on the official list, highlighting its importance for our understanding of human evolution.
Archaeologists from Europe and Africa have discovered the oldest wooden structure, which is almost half a million years old. This indicates that an unknown species of hominid that existed before us, Homo sapiens, was probably responsible for its creation.
The researchers published their results in the scientific journal Nature. They reported that they found a wooden structure made of two interconnected logs connected by a cross cutout in the area near the Kalambo Waterfall in Zambia. Dating points to a distant 476,000 years ago. At the same site, which scientists believe could have served as the basis for a dwelling or platform, four tools made of wood were found: a digging stick, a cut log, a wedge and a jagged branch, each of which also dates back to a time before the appearance of modern humans.
"This discovery has changed my understanding of our early ancestors," said Larry Barham, professor of archaeology at the University of Liverpool and lead author of the paper. "Forget the 'stone Age' tag, look at what these people were doing: they created something new and big out of wood. They used their intelligence, imagination, and skills to create something that they had never seen before, something that had never existed before."
The tree was preserved because the waters of the Calambo Falls constantly flooded it, isolating it from oxygen and bacteria that could destroy it. This find is particularly important as the tree is rarely preserved from the Early Stone Age, providing a unique glimpse into the lives of our distant ancestors.
In addition to the exciting discovery of wooden objects, the researchers noted that the find paints a more complex picture of their lives. These hominids may not have been nomads and spent a long period of time living in the area, long enough to build structures from the surrounding forests and draw fresh water from waterfalls.
Calambo Falls later became a habitat for Homo sapiens and a veritable treasure trove of archaeological finds dating back to the Stone Age. Its significance is so great that it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Of course, the discovery of the oldest man-made wooden structure should strengthen its position on the official list, highlighting its importance for our understanding of human evolution.
