Footprint discovery reveals human life 300,000 years ago

Specifically, researchers have discovered examples of human footprints in Germany. Spanning some 300,000 years, the researchers believe that these footprints were not made by Homo sapiens (wise humans), but rather by the extinct ancient Heidelberg man (Homo heidelbergensis).

The significance of the discovery of human footprints

The impressions, which give researchers a vivid glimpse into how early humans lived, were also discovered alongside animal footprints at the Paleolithic site of Schöningen in Lower Saxony (northwest Germany).

Homo heidelbergensis were skilled hunters and their ancestors are even older than Neanderthals. In fact, they are considered the last common ancestor of Neanderthals and modern humans.

"For the first time, we have conducted a detailed study of fossil footprints from two sites in Schöningen," said archaeologist Flavio Altamura from the University of Tübingen in Germany.

These traces, along with information from sedimentological, archaeological, paleontological and paleobotanical analyses, have provided insights into the paleoenvironment and mammals that once lived in the area, Altamura said.

Based on research and examination of everything from sediment layers to preserved bones at the site, scientists have determined that this was once a lake surrounded by a lush landscape of birch trees, pine trees and grass.

Only three Homo heidelbergensis footprints were identified, which didn’t help the researchers much. However, by comparing them to observations in other studies, the team estimated that the three footprints were left by one adult and two juveniles, suggesting a family outing. The surrounding area was rich in evidence that elephants, rhinoceroses, and even-toed ungulates frequented the lake, all of which would have used the water for bathing or drinking.

"Depending on the season, trees, fruits, leaves, buds and mushrooms will appear around the lake. Our findings confirm that extinct humans lived on the shores of lakes or rivers with shallow water. This is similar to other sites in the Lower and Middle Pleistocene with human footprints," said Mr. Altamura.

Footprint discovery reveals human life 300,000 years ago - 2 — One of the footprints described in the study. (Photo: Senckenberg)

Unlocking the potential of learning technology

According to scientists, the sediments at the site also contained a large number of well-preserved wooden tools, which provide further insight into how the ancient human ancestors of Heidelberg operated. It is difficult to be sure what these tools would have been used 300,000 years later, but they could have been used for hunting, harvesting or construction.

Also at the research site was evidence of the extinct elephant species Palaeoloxodon antiquus. This elephant species could grow up to 4.2 meters tall and weigh 13 tons. In addition, a rhinoceros footprint, the first of its kind found in Europe, was also identified.

The findings are a treasure trove in a region known for preserving ancient human history. They show the potential of geochronology, the study of traces left behind from human footprints to animal burrows.

"Analysis is emerging as a powerful tool for high-resolution environmental, ecological, and archaeological reconstructions of prehistoric sites, especially when used as a multidisciplinary approach," the researchers wrote in the paper published in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews.

(Source: Zing News)

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