The discovery of Greece’s oldest archaeological site, dating back at least 700,000 years, is significant.
It suggests that human presence in Greece extends further back in time than previously thought, potentially reshaping our understanding of the nation’s history.
Archaeological sites from earlier periods have been found in various areas across Europe, Asia, and Africa, but this discovery marks a significant milestone for Greece.
The site’s association with early hominin ancestors is particularly noteworthy, providing insights into our early human relatives’ migration and settlement patterns.
Such a discovery can prompt reevaluations of existing theories and timelines related to human evolution and migration.
It will likely attract significant attention from researchers, archaeologists, and historians who will analyze the findings and their implications for our understanding of the ancient world.
Further excavations and analysis of the newly discovered site will be essential to gather more information and validate the initial findings.
According to the AP, the site discovered contains rough stone tools dating back to the Lower Paleolithic period, approximately 300,000 up to 3.3 million years ago.
Alongside these tools, archaeologists found the remains of extinct animals such as giant-sized deer, rhinoceros, macaque monkeys, hippopotamus, and elephants.
As reported, further investigations are necessary to ascertain the precise date, particularly the recovery of hominin fossil remains, stated project director Panagiotis Karkanas.
This significant finding establishes the oldest known presence of hominins in Greece, extending the country’s archaeological record by up to 250,000 years.
For instance, a recent discovery in southern France in February 2023 indicated that humans began hunting around 42,000 to 45,000 years ago.
Through additional analysis of the Greek site, it’s possible that hundreds of thousands of years could push this date back.
The area where the tools were found has a longstanding association with ancient Greek legends.
Ancient writers have gone so far as to describe the area as the very site where a significant supernatural war between the Gods took place.
The recently discovered site is the oldest currently known hominin presence in Greece, pushing back the known archaeological record in the country by up to 250,000 years.
