In a remarkable archaeological find near a coal mine in southern Greece, researchers have uncovered the oldest known handheld wooden tools, dating back an astonishing 430,000 years. This discovery extends the timeline for wooden tool usage by 40,000 years.
Traditionally, we envision our ancient ancestors as primarily using stone tools, leading to the term "Stone Age." However, this perspective neglects the significance of wood, which, unlike stone, is more susceptible to decay over time.
Recent findings published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggest that wooden tools were essential for our ancient relatives. Katerina Harvati from the University of Tübingen highlighted the possibility that these could be the oldest tools ever utilized by humans.
A Lakeshore Haven in a Harsh Climate
The tools were excavated from Marathousa 1, a site in the Megalopolis basin, first identified in 2013. This location, exposed by open-pit lignite mining, reveals sediment layers that are close to a million years old. According to Harvati, this site provides access to previously buried time periods and sediments.
Between 2013 and 2019, excavations unveiled a rich array of fossils, including the nearly complete skeleton of a straight-tusked elephant (Palaeoloxodon antiquus) with butchery marks, alongside remains of hippopotamuses, turtles, birds, and over 2,000 stone tools, indicating a vibrant lakeshore ecosystem.
Life during this era was challenging, with Europe in the grip of a severe glacial period. Harvati noted that the Megalopolis basin likely served as a microrefugium, providing a milder climate and essential resources for survival.
The Enigma of the Digging Stick
From the 144 preserved wooden fragments, researchers identified two prominent tools. The most significant is an 81-centimeter-long stick made from alder wood.
Annemieke Milks, an archaeologist at the University of Reading and a lead author of the study, remarked on the clear signs of human intervention, with marks of chopping and carving evident on both tools.
The alder stick features a rounded end likely used as a handle, while the opposite end shows signs of wear and splintering. The research team suggested that this tool's design is consistent with digging sticks, indicating it may have been used to unearth edible tubers. Interestingly, it was found near butchered elephant remains, raising questions about its potential use in processing the massive carcass.
The second artifact, a smaller piece of willow or poplar measuring just 5.7 centimeters, remains a mystery. Harvati noted that this tool is entirely new, having been shaped and debarked, but its exact purpose is still uncertain.
Identifying the Toolmakers
No hominin fossils were discovered at Marathousa 1, leaving the identity of the toolmakers a mystery. This discovery predates the arrival of Homo sapiens in Europe, which occurred much later.
Harvati proposed that the toolmakers could be a type of pre-Neanderthal or Homo heidelbergensis, but she cautioned against making definitive claims, as Greece was a crossroads for various hominin groups.
Regardless of their identity, these findings highlight the remarkable adaptability of these ancient peoples, who thrived during a brutal ice age by utilizing all available resources.
Rethinking Early Human Technology
The discoveries at Marathousa 1 contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting that early human technology encompassed much more than just stone tools. Harvati emphasized that organic artifacts, particularly those made from plants, are more fragile and less likely to survive than their stone counterparts.
In addition, a large alder trunk found at the site bore claw marks from a large carnivore, indicating competition for resources between humans and predators. Recent findings in England also revealed a 500,000-year-old hammer made from elephant bone, further illustrating the complexity of early human tool use.
While the 430,000-year-old tools from Marathousa are the oldest known handheld wooden implements, they are not the earliest evidence of woodcraft. That distinction belongs to the Kalambo Falls site in Zambia, where 476,000-year-old interlocking logs were discovered, likely part of a shelter.
The existence of handheld tools like digging sticks reflects a sophisticated understanding of the natural world, suggesting that our ancestors were adept at utilizing diverse materials in their environment. Dirk Leder from the Lower Saxony State Office for Cultural Heritage remarked on the scarcity of prehistoric wooden artifacts, emphasizing the importance of each discovery.
As excavations of waterlogged sites continue, we may need to reconsider the term "Stone Age." Our ancestors were not only skilled in quarrying but also in crafting tools from the forest.