In a groundbreaking archaeological revelation, researchers have uncovered what is now recognized as the most ancient wooden structure ever documented, shedding new light on the sophistication of our distant ancestors. This astonishing discovery was unearthed at the majestic Kalambo Falls, nestled in the northern region of Zambia, close to the Tanzanian border.
Astoundingly, this wooden marvel dates back a staggering 476,000 years, a timeline that predates the emergence of Homo sapiens. Detailed in a study published in the prestigious journal Nature, the remarkably well-preserved structure hints at a level of advancement previously underestimated.
Evidence of stone tool incisions on the wood confirms that our ancestors ingeniously utilized these tools to craft what is presumed to be a platform, walkway, or elevated dwelling, potentially designed to protect early humans from water-related hazards.
Excavations at the site also yielded a cache of ancient wooden tools, including a wedge and a digging stick. While it was known that our ancestors utilized wood during this epoch, their applications were typically limited to fire-starting and hunting.
Larry Barham, the lead author of the study and an archaeologist from the University of Liverpool in the UK, revealed that prior to this discovery, the oldest known wooden structure was approximately 9,000 years old. He described the finding as a "serendipitous discovery," as it was stumbled upon in 2019 during excavations along the banks of the Kalambo River, situated above a breathtaking 770-foot waterfall.
Such ancient wooden relics are exceptionally rare due to wood's propensity to decay, leaving behind scant traces of its historical presence. However, the unique conditions at Kalambo Falls, characterized by consistently high water levels, are believed to have acted as a natural preservative, safeguarding this invaluable artifact for millennia.
0 Comments