Archaeologists uncover Ice Age artefacts that change history of early human migration in Australia
- Archaeologists discovered nearly 700 artefacts from the last Ice Age at Dargan Shelter in Australia's Blue Mountains.
- The discovery provides the oldest evidence of human occupation above 700 meters in Australia, indicating that early humans were resilient despite harsh conditions.
- These findings challenge previous assumptions about human migration patterns and underscore the need for protecting Indigenous cultural heritage.
In Australia, archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery at Dargan Shelter within the Blue Mountains, where they unearthed nearly 700 artefacts from the last Ice Age. This significant find occurred approximately 20,000 years ago, challenging prior notions that the Blue Mountain region was too inhospitable for human occupation. Instead, evidence shows that ancient peoples inhabited this high-altitude landscape during frigid conditions that would have made survival extremely difficult, with temperatures at least 8.2 degrees cooler than today. The findings highlight human adaptability and the ability to traverse challenging terrains, as indicated by the diverse types of prehistoric tools used for various tasks like cutting or scraping. Archaeologists collaborated with First Nations community members to conduct the excavation, ensuring that the cultural significance of the site was recognized alongside its archaeological importance. Notably, one artefact discovered seems to have originated from the Jenolan Caves area, illustrating the movement and connections amongst early indigenous groups across vast distances. As the excavation revealed remnants of hearths, the remarkable preservation of these artefacts allowed the researchers to establish a robust chronology for the site. This has opened up new queries regarding the lifestyles and migration patterns of Australia’s first inhabitants, suggesting that they were capable of adapting to, and thriving in, harsh and icy environments previously thought to be uninhabitable. The research underscores the need for further exploration into how these early peoples interacted with their environment and each other, as well as highlighting the integral role of traditional knowledge in archaeological research. Furthermore, the discovery has raised awareness of the lack of protections for the indigenous cultural heritage in the Blue Mountains, which is recognized for its unique flora and fauna but lacks safeguards for its First Nations histories. Indigenous leaders emphasized the importance of protecting the heritage sites, ensuring that their cultural narratives are honored and preserved for future generations. The collaboration between scientists and First Nations members demonstrates a model for integrating traditional knowledge with modern research methodologies to enhance the conservation of cultural heritage in Australia, benefiting all Australians in the process.