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.
A recent study published in Nature, titled "Hunter-gatherer sea voyages extended to remotest Mediterranean islands," meticulously details compelling archaeological evidence demonstrating the remarkable seafaring capabilities of hunter-gatherer populations during the Epipaleolithic and early Mesolithic periods in the Mediterranean. The research significantly expands our understanding of prehistoric maritime activity, pushing back the timeline for sophisticated seafaring in the region by several millennia. Contrary to previous assumptions that complex navigation and extended sea voyages were primarily associated with the Neolithic period and the advent of agriculture, this study reveals that hunter-gatherer communities possessed the knowledge and technology to undertake ambitious journeys across open water, reaching even the most remote islands of the Mediterranean archipelago.
Specifically, the researchers focused on the obsidian artifacts discovered on the islands of Pantelleria, Melos, and Lipari. Obsidian, a volcanic glass prized for its sharpness and suitability for toolmaking, is not naturally occurring on these islands. Through geochemical sourcing techniques, the researchers were able to definitively trace the origin of the obsidian to specific geological formations in mainland Italy, Sardinia, and the Aeolian Islands. This provenance analysis unequivocally establishes that the obsidian was transported to these distant islands, some located considerable distances from the nearest landmass.
The chronological context of these obsidian artifacts, determined through radiocarbon dating of associated archaeological materials, places these maritime expeditions within the Epipaleolithic and early Mesolithic periods, specifically between 11,000 and 9,500 years ago. This timeframe predates the established presence of agriculture in the region, firmly attributing these voyages to hunter-gatherer societies. The distances involved, coupled with the prevalent paleogeographic conditions, strongly suggest that these journeys were not accidental or the result of drifting, but rather deliberate and planned expeditions requiring sophisticated navigational skills and seaworthy vessels.
The researchers further elaborate on the implications of these findings, arguing that they necessitate a reassessment of the technological and cognitive capacities of hunter-gatherer populations. The ability to navigate the open Mediterranean, successfully reaching remote islands, implies not only a detailed understanding of seafaring and boat construction but also a capacity for abstract thought, planning, and risk assessment, traits traditionally associated with later, more sedentary agricultural societies. These findings paint a richer and more nuanced picture of prehistoric life in the Mediterranean, highlighting the adaptability and ingenuity of hunter-gatherer communities in exploiting the resources and opportunities presented by the maritime environment. The study further opens up exciting avenues for future research into the specific types of vessels utilized, the navigational techniques employed, and the social and economic drivers behind these pioneering sea voyages.
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.