Early Human Presence in Europe: Stone Tools and Nuclides Reveal Ancient Origins

The Mystery of Early Human Migration and Arctic Settlements

High-energy particles from supernova explosions, reaching Earth after millions of years, have paved the way for a groundbreaking discovery: the earliest evidence of human presence in Europe. Scientists utilized cosmogenic nuclides to date stone tools unearthed in Korolevo, Ukraine, pinpointing human habitation to 1.4 million years ago.

Possible human dispersal routes shown by arrows and a selection of archaeological sites mentioned in the study. Credit: Nature

Investigating Cosmic Clues: Uncovering Ancient Footprints

Dr. John Jansen, a researcher from the Czech Academy of Sciences, highlights the significance¹ of beryllium-10 and aluminium-26 in dating geological formations. The discovery challenges previous notions, suggesting Homo erectus as the likely inhabitants of Korolevo.

Selected lithic artefacts from Korolevo. Credit: Nature

Journey to the Siberian Arctic: Mysteries of Diring Yuriakh

The study extends to Diring Yuriakh² in central Siberia, proposing human presence as early as 400,000 years ago. The absence of fossils complicates the identification of these early pioneers. Theories abound, from rapid eastward migration to climate-induced northward expansion during a period of warmth.

Tracing the Path of Early Human Migration

Jansen speculates on the migration routes of early humans, emphasizing the importance of climate gradients and the timing of Arctic colonization. The study offers insights into potential genetic lineages predating known archaic humans like the Denisovans.

Confronting Climate Change: The Driving Force Behind Early Migrations

As Earth's climate fluctuated, humans capitalized on favorable conditions during a super Interglacial Stage 11, venturing into the Arctic. This epoch coincides with the speculated split between Neanderthals and Denisovans, hinting at the existence of an enigmatic archaic human group.

Unraveling Ancient Enigmas: A Quest for Understanding

While the identity of these ancient travelers remains shrouded in mystery, their journey sheds light on human adaptability and resilience in the face of changing environments. The study challenges conventional narratives, inviting further exploration into humanity's distant past.

1. Jansen, J. D., Knudsen, M. F., Garba, R., Andersen, J. L., Buylaert, J.-P., Kameník, J., Kurbanov, R. N., Lachner, J., Lukyanycheva, M., Margold, M., Murray, A. S., Nørgaard, J., Olsen, J., Rugel, G., Stübner, K., Usik, V., & Ylä-Mella, L. (2024). Redrawing early human dispersal patterns with cosmogenic nuclides. https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-4168

2. Garba, R., Usyk, V., Ylä-Mella, L., Kameník, J., Stübner, K., Lachner, J., Rugel, G., Veselovský, F., Gerasimenko, N., Herries, A. I. R., Kučera, J., Knudsen, M. F., & Jansen, J. D. (2024). East-to-west human dispersal into Europe 1.4 million years ago. Nature, 627(8005), 805–810. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07151-3