A groundbreaking discovery in a Spanish cave has pushed back the timeline of human settlement in the western Mediterranean by over 2,000 years. Researchers from the University of South Florida have uncovered a submerged, human-constructed bridge that was once part of a sophisticated early human settlement.
Unearthing an Ancient Engineering Marvel
Located on the island of Mallorca, the bridge is approximately 25 feet long and built of stacked limestone blocks. It spans a subterranean lake within Genovesa Cave, a popular tourist destination. By analyzing mineral deposits on the bridge and the elevation of a coloration band, the researchers determined that the bridge was constructed around 6,000 years ago.
Challenging Established Historical Timelines
This new dating significantly narrows the gap between the settlement timelines of the eastern and western Mediterranean regions. Previously, it was believed that humans arrived in the western Mediterranean much later. The discovery of the bridge suggests that early humans were more adaptable and technologically advanced than previously thought.
The bridge’s existence implies a higher level of human activity in the cave than was previously known. Moreover, early settlers likely recognized the cave’s water resources and built the bridge to cross the subterranean lake. The presence of the bridge, along with other artifacts found in the cave, suggests a sophisticated understanding of the environment and the ability to plan and execute complex projects.
Rewriting the History of Mediterranean Settlements
This remarkable discovery offers new insights into the early history of human settlement in the Mediterranean. It challenges long-held assumptions and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research in uncovering the secrets of our past.
