Research from the University of Liverpool and Aberystwyth University reveals that early human ancestors built wooden structures nearly 500,000 years ago—much earlier than previously thought. A well-preserved piece of wood from Kalambo Falls, Zambia, dated to at least 476,000 years ago, shows advanced woodworking techniques such as cutting and shaping logs.
Professor Larry Barham emphasized that this discovery challenges the notion of a simplistic “Stone Age,” highlighting early hominids’ creativity and planning skills. Past assumptions primarily focused on stone artifacts due to the tendency of wood to decay.
Luminescence dating methods confirmed the age of the wood, which was initially excavated in the 1960s but not fully appreciated until now. This research indicates that early humans employed wood for constructing tools and structures, suggesting a more complex cultural development than previously recognized.
Overall, this finding enriches our understanding of early human ingenuity and adaptability in using available resources, urging a reevaluation of how we categorize ancient human history.
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