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 newly discovered, rapidly growing magma chamber beneath Kolumbo, a submarine volcano near Santorini, Greece, raises concerns about a potential future eruption. Researchers using a novel imaging technique detected a melt reservoir accumulating at a rate of 4 million cubic meters per year, suggesting a significant eruption could occur within the next 150 years, though the exact timing is unpredictable. This discovery underscores the need for real-time monitoring of submarine volcanoes, as current methods often fail to detect magma build-up until shortly before an eruption.
HN commenters discussed the potential implications of a growing magma chamber under the Kolumbo volcano near Santorini. Some expressed concern about the possibility of a large, tsunami-generating eruption, recalling the devastating Minoan eruption of Thera. Others highlighted the limitations of the study, noting the difficulty in predicting volcanic eruptions and the uncertainty surrounding the timeframe and magnitude of any potential event. A few commenters focused on the scientific aspects, discussing the methods used to detect the magma chamber and the significance of the findings for understanding volcanic processes. One compelling comment mentioned the relative silence of the volcano before the 1650 eruption, contrasting it with the current detectable activity and emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring. Another highlighted the potential impact of a large eruption on global climate, drawing parallels to the 1815 Tambora eruption and the subsequent "year without a summer".
Divers off the coast of Spain have recovered remnants of a Phoenician shipwreck dating back approximately 2,600 years. The vessel, discovered near Mazarrón, carried ingots of tin likely originating from the Iberian Peninsula or even Cornwall, suggesting extensive trade networks during the 7th century B.C. Researchers believe the ship sank during a storm while en route to Cadiz, where the tin would have been exchanged for other valuable goods. The recovered artifacts, including the remarkably well-preserved tin ingots marked with Phoenician script, offer valuable insight into ancient maritime trade and shipbuilding practices.
Hacker News users discuss the exciting discovery of the 2,600-year-old Phoenician shipwreck. Some express amazement at the preservation of the ship after so long underwater, particularly the survival of organic materials like wood. Several commenters delve into the historical significance of the find, highlighting the Phoenicians' extensive maritime trade network and the potential for this wreck to offer new insights into their seafaring technology and trade practices. One user questions the description of the ship as "Phoenician," pointing out the complexities of assigning a distinct national identity to ancient Mediterranean peoples. Others discuss the legal and ethical aspects of recovering artifacts from shipwrecks, and the challenges of preserving them. Several share additional resources, including links to documentaries about ancient shipwrecks and information about other Phoenician archaeological finds.
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.