Ubeidiya, a fascinating prehistoric site in the Jordan Valley, has just been re-dated to at least 1.9 million years old. This information comes from a study conducted by Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the University of Haifa, and the University of Tulsa.
Researchers employed three different dating methods, which dispute the earlier belief that Ubeidiya was only 1.2 to 1.6 million years old. One technique, called cosmogenic isotope burial dating, measures rare isotopes that form when cosmic rays hit the Earth’s surface. As rocks get buried, these isotopes begin to decay at a known rate, helping scientists determine how long they’ve been underground.
Another method involved studying the ancient magnetic field contained in lake sediments at the site. These sediments preserve the magnetic direction of the Earth from that time. By comparing these findings with historical magnetic rotations, researchers were able to create a timeline for the site.
Interestingly, some initial readings indicated the sediments were about 3 million years old, leading to questions about their movement over time.
The last dating method used was uranium-lead dating on fossilized freshwater snail shells. This was crucial in determining the minimum age for the layers where stone tools were found. All three methods supported the conclusion of a much older age for Ubeidiya.
The research has implications for understanding how early humans crafted and transported their tools. Ubeidiya presents evidence of two types of stone tool cultures: the simpler Oldowan tools and the more advanced Acheulean hand axes. Experts believe that both cultures coexisted and were used by various groups migrating from Africa at similar times rather than one replacing the other.
Recent archaeological insights suggest that Ubeidiya is significant for more than just its age; it provides a snapshot of early human behavior and adaptation. Early humans exhibited advanced tool-making skills and engaged with various fauna, including species that are now extinct.
The research paper titled “Complex exposure-burial history and Pleistocene sediment recycling in the Dead Sea Rift with implications for the age of the Acheulean site of Ubeidiya” is published in Quaternary Science Reviews. You can find the details here.
As we continue to uncover these ancient sites, they deepen our understanding of human history and migrations, offering a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors and how they interacted with their environment. This rich fragment of history shows us the complexity and adaptability of early human societies.
Source link
archaeology,Africa,Jordan Valley,Archaeological study,Archaeological Site
