New research reveals that hunter-gatherers, not early farmers as previously thought, colonized the remotest Mediterranean islands, including Crete, Cyprus, and the Balearic Islands, thousands of years earlier than previously believed. Analysis of obsidian artifacts across these islands points to seafaring capabilities and extensive trade networks originating from mainland sources like Anatolia, Sardinia, and the Lipari Islands during the Epipaleolithic and early Mesolithic periods. This suggests sophisticated maritime navigation skills and a wider spread of these groups across the Mediterranean much earlier in prehistory than the established narrative allows, pushing back the timeline for island colonization by several millennia.
Analysis of ancient DNA from 7,000-year-old skeletons discovered in the once-lush Green Sahara reveals a previously unknown human lineage. These individuals, found at the Gobero archaeological site in Niger, possessed distinct genetic ancestry unlike any present-day African populations or other ancient groups analyzed so far. This suggests a complex and diverse human history in the region during the Holocene's wetter period, with this unique lineage thriving before the Sahara became a desert. The research highlights a "missing piece" in our understanding of African population history and prehistoric migrations.
Hacker News users discussed the implications of the discovered lineage and the methodology used in the study. Some debated the meaning of "distinct lineage," questioning if the findings represent a truly separate group or simply variation within a known population. Several commenters highlighted the fascinating history of the Green Sahara period and its impact on human migration and development. Others expressed interest in the DNA analysis techniques, including the challenges of working with ancient DNA and the potential for future research to further illuminate this population's history. A few also touched upon the ethical considerations of studying ancient remains.
Summary of Comments ( 4 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43673575
HN commenters discuss the logistical challenges of early seafaring, questioning the assumed simplicity of raft technology and navigation. Some highlight the difficulty of crossing open water without modern navigational tools, emphasizing the need for advanced knowledge of currents, winds, and stars. Others point out the physical demands of such journeys, suggesting the necessity of significant provisions and robust vessels, perhaps beyond simple rafts. The discussion also touches on the surprising distances covered and the implications for understanding early human migration and interaction. One commenter mentions the discovery of obsidian tools on the islands, further supporting the idea of intentional travel and trade networks. Finally, several users express fascination with the ingenuity and resilience of these early seafarers.
The Hacker News post titled "Hunter-gatherer sea voyages extended to remotest Mediterranean islands," linking to a Nature article, has generated several comments discussing the implications of the research.
Several commenters focus on the surprising maritime capabilities of early humans. One notes the impressive feat of navigating to these islands, considering the distances and lack of sophisticated technology. They find it remarkable that these hunter-gatherers possessed the navigational skills and boat-building technology necessary for such voyages, pushing back the timeline for advanced seafaring. Another commenter highlights the significance of this finding in understanding the spread of humans and cultural exchange during this period, suggesting it reveals a greater degree of interconnectedness than previously assumed. They also speculate about the motivations for these voyages, suggesting resource exploitation or exploration as possibilities.
Discussion also arises around the specific methods used in the research. One commenter inquires about the evidence used to determine seafaring activity, specifically asking about potential indicators like the presence of specific tools or resources on the islands that wouldn't be found natively. Another commenter discusses the challenges of definitively proving human presence and differentiating it from natural occurrences, highlighting the importance of rigorous analysis in archaeological studies.
Further comments touch on the broader context of the findings. One points to other instances of early seafaring discovered elsewhere in the world, suggesting this Mediterranean example is part of a larger pattern of human exploration and migration. Another commenter brings up the potential impact of rising sea levels on archaeological sites, emphasizing the importance of conducting this research before such sites become inaccessible. This commenter also raises the possibility of even earlier seafaring activities now submerged beneath the waves.
Finally, some comments offer more speculative or tangential thoughts. One user humorously contemplates the possibility of ancient shipwrecks filled with obsidian treasures waiting to be discovered. Another remarks on the romantic notion of these early explorers venturing into the unknown.
These comments demonstrate a general appreciation for the research and its implications for understanding human history, while also showcasing a healthy skepticism and curiosity about the methods and conclusions presented.