The discovery of the oldest known structure ever built by humans broadens the understanding of the age old question; when did human beings learn to construct?
In a new report published in the journal Science Advances, researchers examined an archaeological site located in South Africa known as the Sibudu Cave. What had been previously thought to be a shelter with simple construction turned out to be an extraordinary structure with no real parallel in the archaeological record, according to lead investigator and professor Lyn Wadley from Wits University.
The Sibudu Cave, which dates back to about 77,000 years ago, is made up of a series of layers including a base layer composed of stone and pollen, the ceiling carved with furrows, and a wall with a lens-like structure made up of four parts. This structure allows for the efficient and accurate collection of resources, such as reeds and seeds, from a specific area. Additionally, the ceiling is believed to have been used as an acoustic apparatus, blocking out noise from the outside or reverberating sound inside the shelter.
The structure discovered in the Sibudu Cave is one of a kind. This type of structure appears to require a level of sophistication and understanding of architecture and building principles that had not been previously seen in the archaeological record. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of structure building in humans, which allows us to better understand the technological capabilities of early humans.
The structure’s sophisticated design and complexity suggest that these early humans had a level of knowledge and skill that was much greater than previously thought.
While the exact origin of this structure is still unknown, researchers suggest it may have been the result of generations of experimentation and specialization of available building materials. This would explain why this type of structure appears to have been common in the region.
The exceptional structure discovered in the Sibudu Cave is a reminder of the extraordinary capabilities of early humans. This discovery not only broadens the understanding of the age old question of when humans first started to build, but also demonstrates the complexity and creativity of the earliest humans.