Underwater Caves Provide New Insights Into Sicily's Earliest Human Inhabitants
Exploring the Early Migration Paths of Humans into the Mediterranean
Recent archaeological studies in Sicily reveal crucial information about early human migration into the Mediterranean islands. New findings from coastal and underwater caves in southern Sicily suggest a deeper understanding of Homo sapiens' movements and survival strategies during their initial colonization of the island. This research offers fresh perspectives on the expansion routes and adaptive behaviors of early human communities.
Rediscovery of Ancient Caves: Revisiting Forgotten Sites
Archaeological surveys conducted by a team from Washington University in St. Louis have rediscovered and assessed 25 caves and rock shelters in southern Sicily. These locations, many initially identified between 1870 and the 1990s, were largely forgotten over time. The recent study published in PLOS ONE1 reports the evaluation of these caves, along with new land and underwater explorations that led to the discovery of three additional sites. These sites are believed to contain sediments with significant archaeological potential.
Ilaria Patania, an assistant professor of archaeology, emphasized that this research aims not just to identify the first individual settlers but to understand the formation of early communities on Sicily. She explained,
“Understanding the timing of the initial colonization of Sicily provides key data for the pattern and mode of the early expansion of Homo sapiens into the Mediterranean.”
Challenges of Early Human Migration to Sicily
Despite Sicily’s proximity to mainland Italy, the migration of early human groups to the island posed significant challenges. The narrow stretch of water separating Sicily from Italy might seem a minor barrier today, but it represented a substantial obstacle for early human populations. Scholars have debated whether early humans arrived by sea or over a possible land bridge, and what pathways they may have taken to reach the island.
While much prior research focused on potential entry points along Sicily’s northern coast, this recent study shifts attention to the southern coast. T.R. Kidder, co-author of the study, noted that new approaches and perspectives are crucial to revealing previously unseen patterns. Kidder stated,
“Finding underwater sites opens up a whole new terrain to study. It allows us to reconsider routes of migration of these earliest modern human ancestors.”
The Treacherous Sicilian Strait: An Age-Old Challenge
The Strait of Sicily, which separates the island from the Italian mainland, has long been known for its dangerous waters. The ancient Greeks even referenced its hazards in literature, as Homer described Odysseus navigating past the mythical sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis. These accounts highlight the challenges early seafarers would have faced, a theme that resonates with the experiences of modern-day migrants attempting to cross the same waters.
Patania, herself a native of Sicily with family ties to the sea, acknowledged the significance of the island’s marine environment. Her research reflects an appreciation for the dual nature of the sea as both a resource and a perilous barrier. She remarked,
“I’m very interested in how humans occupy marginal environments. These are environments where if everything goes well, we are in perfect harmony with nature. But if something changes…it could be a catastrophe.”
Revisiting the Timeline of Human Arrival in Sicily
The established date for human presence in Sicily stands at approximately 16,000 years ago, which is notably later than the known human expansion into Siberia some 30,000 years earlier. This discrepancy raises questions about whether humans may have reached Sicily earlier than currently accepted.
The methods and routes used by early human migrants to reach Sicily remain subjects of ongoing debate. It is still unclear whether they arrived by seafaring, traversed a land bridge, or even possibly followed an island-hopping route across the Mediterranean. Investigating the southern coast offers a new angle to study potential migration pathways and the adaptive behaviors of early humans.
A Long-Term Research Initiative: The Early Occupation of Sicily Project
Patania’s long-term research project aims to uncover new insights into the early human occupation of southeast Sicily. So far, the team has identified and evaluated over 40 sites of interest, many of which have been precisely relocated based on historical records. This initiative has relied heavily on archival research, including the review of local records dating back to the 19th century and collaborations with local archaeologists, divers, and fishermen.
One notable collaboration includes a retired tugboat captain, who, despite lacking formal archaeological training, provided valuable guidance based on his extensive knowledge of the local waters. By partnering with local experts and stakeholders, Patania and her team have gained unique access and insights that are vital to their ongoing explorations.
The project also involves cooperation with Italian authorities, such as the superintendents of cultural and natural heritage for the provinces of Siracusa and Ragusa, as well as the superintendent of the sea of Sicily. These partnerships have been crucial in expanding the research’s reach and involving local experts in the discovery and assessment of potential archaeological sites.
New Discoveries and Future Excavations
Among the newly explored sites, two show promising evidence of Upper Paleolithic human occupation. One site, Corruggi, is located at the southern tip of Sicily, where it is believed a land bridge once connected the island with Malta. Excavations at Corruggi have yielded animal remains, including the teeth of a European wild ass, alongside stone tools. These findings could provide insight into the final leg of early human migration routes into Sicily and onward toward Malta.
The second site, a cave named Campolato, is currently under excavation. Recent studies there indicate significant sea-level changes caused by glaciation events, as well as evidence of a localized earthquake. These geological features are crucial for reconstructing the environment that early human communities navigated, offering clues about how they adapted to natural disasters and changing conditions.
The Path Ahead: Expanding the Search for Early Human Sites
The Early Occupation of Sicily Project is still in its early phases, with plans to extend research further into coastal and underwater sites. The team's collaboration with Italian naval officers aims to train specialized divers to identify archaeological features during their routine operations.
The findings from this ongoing work not only enhance understanding of early human migration into the Mediterranean but also shed light on the resilience and adaptability of these ancient populations. By studying the interplay between early humans and their environment, this research provides a deeper understanding of the broader patterns of human evolution and migration.
Funding and Support
The Early Occupation of Sicily Project is supported by several organizations, including The Leakey Foundation, the Rust Family Foundation, and the Archaeological Institute of America. The research also receives significant backing from Italian and Sicilian governmental bodies, ensuring the continuation and expansion of this important work.
Patania, I., Ogloblin Ramirez, I., Carroll, P., Wroth, K., Zaia, S., Di Mauro, S., Falci, D., Querenet Onfroy de Breville, I., Aguilar Lazagabaster, I., Minniti, G., Reitano, A., Insacco, G., Kidder, T., & Tryon, C. (2024). Between land and sea: A multidisciplinary approach to understand the Early Occupation of Sicily (EOS). PloS One, 19(10), e0299118. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299118