Archaeologists have unearthed the oldest known human footprints on the Arabian Peninsula. Perfectly preserved in a prehistoric mud hole, these seven footprints in Saudi Arabia, estimated to be around 115,000 years old, provide compelling evidence of human migration before the Ice Age.
Discovered in Saudi Arabia’s Nefud Desert, this unique lake bed, known as “Alathar,” has yielded numerous fossils and ancient artifacts since its initial discovery in 2017. Over 100,000 years ago, this area likely served as a vital water source and resting place for large animals during their migrations.
The study of ancient footprints provides invaluable insights into the lives and movements of past populations. However, footprints are typically short-lived. According to Express US, this discovery is exceptional due to the remarkable preservation of these ancient tracks.
Human Presence Before the Ice Age
While other upright primates existed during this era, the researchers strongly believe these prints belong to Homo sapiens. Fossil and archaeological evidence supports the presence of humans in the Levant and Arabia between 130,000 and 80,000 years ago.
The absence of hunting tools or evidence of animal slaughter suggests that humans visited Alathar primarily for water. These findings indicate that the lake served as a crucial water source for humans during a dry period of the last interglacial.
A Glimpse into the Past
These footprints may represent the final evidence of human passage through this region before the onset of the Ice Age. The lack of overlapping tracks suggests that subsequent human migrations through this area were likely disrupted by the significant climatic changes of the Ice Age.
