Recent archaeological findings have significantly altered our understanding of early human migration and presence across the globe. The discovery of ancient footprints in various locations has pushed back the timeline of human habitation in different regions.
| Date (Years Ago) | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 850,000 – 950,000 | Happisburgh, Norfolk, England | Oldest human footprints outside Africa |
| 345,000 (±6,000) | Roccamonfina volcano, Italy | “Devils’ Trails” – Once thought to be the oldest |
| 23,000 – 21,000 | White Sands National Park, New Mexico, USA | Oldest confirmed human footprints in North America |
Happisburgh Footprints
In 2014, researchers uncovered a collection of human footprints in Happisburgh, Norfolk, England, dating back 850,000 to 950,000 years[4]. These footprints, left by an extinct early human species, are now considered the oldest human footprints ever found outside of Africa. Unfortunately, due to coastal erosion, these prints were washed away by the tide within two weeks of their discovery[4].
The “Devils’ Trails”
The “devils’ trails” found on the Roccamonfina volcano in Italy, once thought to be the oldest, are now known to be significantly younger:
- Age: Confirmed to be approximately 345,000 years old, give or take 6,000 years[1][2].
- Origin: Preserved in volcanic ash atop the Roccamonfina volcano[1].
- Discovery: First described by Paolo Mietto and colleagues from the University of Padova in 2003[2].
- Dating: Initially estimated to be between 385,000 and 325,000 years old, later verified using argon dating techniques by Stéphane Scaillet and colleagues[2].
- Species: Attributed to Homo heidelbergensis[1].
White Sands National Park Footprints
The most recent significant discovery comes from White Sands National Park in New Mexico, USA. These footprints have been dated to 23,000 to 21,000 years ago, making them the oldest known human footprints in North America[3][5]. This finding challenges previous beliefs about when humans first arrived in the Americas.
Key points about the White Sands footprints:
- They date back to the Last Glacial Maximum, the coldest part of the last ice age[5].
- The discovery challenges the previous theory that the Clovis people were the first to arrive in the Americas around 13,000 years ago[5].
- The footprints reveal various activities, including children playing, hunters tracking animals, and a young woman carrying a child[3].
These discoveries highlight the ongoing nature of archaeological research and how new findings can dramatically alter our understanding of human prehistory. As technology advances and more sites are excavated, our knowledge of early human migration and habitation continues to evolve.
