Earliest example of long-distance ocean voyaging by first Australians
The Science Show - Separate stories podcastSummary
The British Science Festival in Southampton features groundbreaking discussions on ocean science, particularly focusing on ancient human interactions with the sea. Professor Helen Farr from the University of Southampton highlights the significance of the Madjabebe cave in Australia, which provides evidence of human presence dating back potentially 65,000 years. This suggests that early settlers crossed from island Southeast Asia using sophisticated watercraft, challenging previous assumptions about the timeline of human migration to Australia.
Farr emphasizes that the cave's current inland location indicates that early human activity likely predates 65,000 years, as rising sea levels have submerged many coastal sites that could hold even older evidence. Genetic studies align with archaeological findings, indicating multiple routes of migration into northern Australia, including island hopping and open-water voyages.
The conversation also touches on underwater archaeology, with Farr discussing ongoing efforts to explore submerged landscapes that may contain preserved archaeological materials. Techniques such as maritime surveys and sediment analysis are employed to uncover traces of early settlers, showcasing the complexity and connectivity of ancient human movements. The work is not only vital for understanding history but also resonates with contemporary societal issues.
Show Notes
Oceans were the focus at the opening of this year’s British Science Festival in Southampton UK. Professor of Maritime Archaeology Helen Farr describes the first example of long-distance voyaging by Australian Aborigines as they sailed to Australia. While the first evidence of human occupation in Australia is dated at 65,000 years at the Madjedbebe cave east of Darwin, the site is inland and so earlier sites are likely awaiting discovery closer to the coast.
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