What's Happening?
Archaeologists have uncovered the oldest known wooden tools at an opencast mine in Greece, dating back 430,000 years. These tools, made by an unidentified species of ancient human, possibly ancestors of Neanderthals, include an 81-centimeter-long stick
and a smaller piece of wood. The stick, made from an alder tree trunk, shows signs of purposeful shaping and may have been used for digging or processing animal carcasses. The discovery at the Marathousa 1 site, which also yielded animal remains and stone tools, provides rare insight into the use of wooden tools by prehistoric humans, a practice that is difficult to study due to poor preservation of organic materials.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of these ancient wooden tools offers valuable insights into the technological capabilities of early humans and their use of natural resources. Wooden tools are believed to be among the earliest forms of human technology, but their scarcity in the archaeological record has limited understanding of their role in prehistoric societies. This find not only enriches the narrative of human evolution but also highlights the adaptability and ingenuity of ancient humans in utilizing available materials for survival. Understanding the use of wooden tools can inform studies on the development of human cognitive and motor skills, as well as the evolution of tool-making techniques.
