Archaeologists at the University of Leicester have discovered the oldest human footprints on the coast of Cape Town (South Africa). They are 153 thousand years old, and Homo sapiens first split from its predecessors about 300,000 years ago. Study published magazine International Journal of Plant and Animal Works.
“A little over twenty years ago, it seemed so rare that the age of our ancient ancestors’ traces could exceed 50,000 years. “In that context, the age we’ve established looks incredible.”
The scientists studied the footprints at seven different locations along the coast of Cape South Africa. To do this, the archaeologists used a technique known as stimulated luminescence, in which quartz grains are removed from a sample and exposed to ionizing radiation. The shine of the grains shows how much time has passed since they were buried.
To date, only 14 footprints older than 50,000 years have been attributed to Homo sapiens. All found in Africa.
Former scientists from the University of Zurich discovered The 2,700-year-old leather saddle found in a woman’s tomb in China – may be the oldest ever found and, along with other artifacts, proves that ancient nomads could have been professional riders.