Indigenous rock shelter in Top End pushes Australia's human history back to 65,000 years

[muriel_volestrangler]

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New excavations of a rock shelter near Kakadu National Park indicate humans reached Australia at least 65,000 years ago — up to 18,000 years earlier than archaeologists previously thought.

Many scientists already accepted that the shelter, called Madjedbebe, was home to the earliest evidence of humans in Australia.

But now, sophisticated dating of sediments at the site confirms it is one of the most significant cultural and archaeological sites in the world.

Chris Clarkson from the University of Queensland said the new date would have a big impact on our understanding of when humans left Africa and moved through what is now South-East Asia.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2017-07-20/aboriginal-shelter-pushes-human-history-back-to-65,000-years/8719314

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The earliest arrival in Australia is a very important date, because it has to involve a sea crossing that never became dry whatever the height of the oceans.

[Judi Lynn]

1. This is a priceless kind of work. Hoping they can open amazing windows on the past.

While they're at it, they need to be mindful of the original people who live there.

Thank you for the information.




Madjedbebe





Kakadu National Park