Archaeologists Unearth Oldest Human-Built Structure in Southern Africa

One sentence summary – British and African archaeologists have discovered what is believed to be the world’s oldest human-built structure in southern Africa, estimated to be at least twice as old as any other known human-made structure, revolutionizing our understanding of early human technology and cognitive abilities.

At a glance

• British and African archaeologists have discovered the world’s oldest human-built structure in southern Africa.
• The structure, made from worked timber, was found in a waterlogged area in northern Zambia.
• It is estimated to be at least twice as old as any other known human-made structure.
• The discovery is expected to revolutionize our understanding of early human technology and cognitive abilities.
• The site is located near the Kalambo River, upstream from a large waterfall and deep canyon.

The details

British and African archaeologists have unearthed what is believed to be the world’s oldest human-built structure in southern Africa.

The structure, constructed from worked timber, was discovered in a waterlogged area in northern Zambia.

This significant find is estimated to be at least twice as old as any other known human-made structure.

The discovery is expected to revolutionize our understanding of early human technology and cognitive abilities.

The site of the find is located near the Kalambo River, upstream from a large waterfall and deep canyon.

The unique topography of the area, featuring a large floodplain, marshland, small lakes, minor waterways, riverine woodland, and a rainforest created by the waterfall’s spray, likely attracted early human hunter-gatherers.

These diverse environments would have attracted a variety of animals and offered an abundance of plants, fruits, and nuts, making it an appealing location for early humans.

During the archaeological investigation, a 1.4-meter-long section of a modified tree trunk and a tree stump were unearthed.

These artifacts were arranged horizontally, creating an elevated trackway or platform above the marsh.

Nearby, a large wooden wedge, likely used for splitting timber, was discovered.

Stone cutting, chopping, and scraping tools were also found at the site.

A potential hearth for cooking was also discovered, providing insight into the activities of the prehistoric humans who built the structure.

The builders of this ancient structure were members of the extinct species Homo heidelbergensis.

Homo heidelbergensis thrived between 600,000 and 300,000 years ago but became extinct around 300,000 years ago.

The archaeological research was a collaborative effort involving scientists from the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Zambia.

The findings have been published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature.

These findings are anticipated to reshape our perception of these extinct human species.

In a separate discovery, a new species of pterosaur has been identified and named Petrodactyle wellnhoferi.

This new species was named in honor of German paleontologist Peter Wellnhofer.

Petrodactyle belongs to the ctenochasmatids group, known for being small filter feeders.

The specimen found is exceptionally well-preserved, with nearly every bone intact and detailed.

With a wingspan of approximately 2 meters, Petrodactyle is considered an older teenager among pterosaurs.

It represents one of the largest pterosaurs known from the Late Jurassic period.

The fossil was unearthed in a quarry renowned for yielding scientifically significant fossils.

This highlights the importance of collaboration between amateur collectors, commercial fossil dealers, foundations, and research scientists.

The comprehensive age of these discoveries was determined using luminescence dating techniques.

These techniques proved challenging due to the great antiquity of the finds.

Both findings contribute greatly to our understanding of prehistoric human civilizations and the biodiversity of ancient ecosystems.

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