Archaeologists Uncover Oldest-Ever Human Footprint on Arabian Peninsula
A team of archaeologists has made a groundbreaking discovery in northern Saudi Arabia, uncovering the oldest-ever human footprint on the Arabian peninsula. The seven footprints, estimated to be around 115,000 years old, were found in a prehistoric mudhole that was once a high-traffic area for large animals.
The footprints, named “the trace” in Arabic, were discovered in a lakebed that was once home to many fossils and ancient artifacts. The area, known as Alathar, was a gathering spot for large animals as they migrated due to changing weather and climate conditions.
The footprints are significant because they provide evidence of human migration before the Ice Age. The scientists found that the footprints were made by humans, and not other upright primates, based on the size of the prints and the fossil and archaeological evidence in the area.
The discovery is also significant because it suggests that the humans who made the footprints were likely there to drink water, and not to hunt or gather. The lack of archaeological evidence suggests that the humans only briefly visited the area.
The footprints are remarkably well-preserved, with fine details still visible after 115,000 years. The scientists compared the footprints to modern human footprints in mud flats and found that the fine details are lost within two days and the prints are rendered unrecognizable within four.
The discovery of the oldest human footprint on the Arabian peninsula provides a unique glimpse into the history of human migration and the activities of early humans. It is a significant find that sheds new light on the lives of early humans and their interactions with the environment.
