Ancient Wooden Tools Found in Greece Reveal Early Human Skills
Scientists discover the oldest wooden tools ever used by humans
Science Daily
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Researchers have discovered the oldest known wooden tools, dating back approximately 430,000 years, at the Marathousa 1 site in central Greece's Peloponnese region. This finding highlights the advanced skills of early humans in tool-making and their resourcefulness during the Middle Pleistocene era.
- 01The tools were made from alder, willow, or poplar wood and show signs of shaping and use.
- 02The discovery pushes back the timeline for wooden tool use by at least 40,000 years.
- 03The site also contained stone tools and remains of large animals, indicating it was used for butchering.
- 04Professor Katerina Harvati emphasized the significance of the Middle Pleistocene in human evolution.
- 05The research team included experts from several renowned institutions, funded by the European Research Council.
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An international team of scientists has discovered the oldest known wooden tools, estimated to be 430,000 years old, at the Marathousa 1 archaeological site in the Peloponnese region of Greece. This groundbreaking find, detailed in the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, reveals two hand-crafted wooden artifacts made from alder and either willow or poplar. The tools exhibit clear signs of shaping and usage, indicating that early humans possessed advanced skills in woodworking much earlier than previously thought. The discovery also pushes back the timeline for the use of wooden tools by at least 40,000 years. The site, rich in archaeological significance, also contained stone tools and the remains of elephants, suggesting it was a butchering site near an ancient lake. Professor Katerina Harvati, a leading paleoanthropologist, highlighted the importance of the Middle Pleistocene as a critical phase in human evolution, during which complex behaviors began to emerge. The research was supported by multiple institutions, showcasing the collaborative effort in understanding early human technology and behavior.
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This discovery enhances the understanding of early human technology and behavior, potentially influencing future archaeological research and education.
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