In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery, two wooden objects found at Marathousa 1 in southern Greece have been identified as the earliest known wooden tools. These significant artifacts, unearthed at a site previously recognized for its 430,000-year-old stone tools and animal remains, offer an unprecedented glimpse into the resourcefulness of early human societies during the Middle Pleistocene era. The discovery challenges long-held notions about ancient technological development and highlights the critical role of wood in prehistoric tool-making.
Among the finds are a substantial 2.5-foot-long stick, believed to have served as a digging implement, and a smaller piece of poplar or maple, potentially used for shaping stone tools. These remarkable items provide invaluable insights into the daily lives and technical skills of our ancient ancestors, according to Katerina Harvati, a distinguished paleoanthropologist at the University of Tübingen. The successful preservation of these wooden artifacts, which typically decompose over time, is attributed to their burial in a mud-rich environment, safeguarding them from decay until their modern-day recovery.
Further examination of these ancient tools, alongside numerous other wood fragments from the site, involved meticulous analysis using microscopes and CT scans. Lead archaeologist Annemieke Milks from the University of Reading confirmed the presence of distinct chopping and carving marks, undeniable evidence of human modification. Interestingly, researchers also uncovered a third piece of wood bearing claw marks from a large carnivore, suggesting a dynamic and challenging environment where early hominins contended with formidable predators for vital resources, possibly including game.
This extraordinary find serves as a profound reminder of the ingenuity and adaptability of early humans. It encourages us to look beyond conventional materials and consider the full spectrum of resources that shaped ancient civilizations. Such discoveries foster a deeper appreciation for the complex history of humanity and reinforce the enduring quest for knowledge about our origins.