A submerged stone bridge found in a Spanish cave has provided compelling evidence that humans settled in the western Mediterranean much earlier than previously thought. This discovery, led by researchers from the University of South Florida, challenges long-held beliefs about the timeline of human colonization in the region.
Uncovering Hidden History in Mallorca’s Caves
The research team, headed by USF geology Professor Bogdan Onac, examined a 25-foot submerged bridge in Genovesa Cave on the Spanish island of Mallorca. This ancient structure offers new insights into early human activity in the western Mediterranean.
“The presence of this submerged bridge and other artifacts indicates a sophisticated level of activity, implying that early settlers recognized the cave’s water resources and strategically built infrastructure to navigate it,” Onac explained.
The cave, located near Mallorca’s coast, contains passages now flooded due to rising sea levels. Distinct calcite encrustations on the cave walls and a light-colored band on the submerged bridge served as key indicators for tracking historical sea-level changes and dating the bridge’s construction.
Rewriting the Timeline of Human Settlement
Previously, experts believed human settlement on Mallorca occurred around 4,400 years ago. This timeline aligned with significant environmental events, such as the extinction of the goat-antelope genus Myotragus balearicus.
However, by analyzing mineral overgrowths on the bridge and the elevation of a coloration band, Onac’s team made a startling discovery. The bridge was constructed nearly 6,000 years ago – more than two millennia earlier than previous estimates.
This finding narrows the gap between known settlement timelines in the eastern and western Mediterranean regions, suggesting a more continuous spread of human civilization across the area.
Why It Matters
This research has significant implications for our understanding of human migration and settlement patterns in prehistoric times. It challenges existing theories about the pace and direction of human expansion across the Mediterranean.
The discovery also highlights the importance of underwater archaeology and interdisciplinary approaches in uncovering historical truths. As sea levels continue to rise due to climate change, similar submerged structures may provide crucial information about our ancestors’ adaptations to changing environments.
“This research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in uncovering historical truths and advancing our understanding of human history,” Onac stated.
Future Explorations and Climate Change Implications
Professor Onac plans to continue exploring cave systems, some with deposits formed millions of years ago. These investigations aim to identify pre-industrial sea levels and examine the impact of modern greenhouse warming on sea-level rise.
This research, supported by several National Science Foundation grants, involved extensive fieldwork, including underwater exploration and precise dating techniques. It was conducted in collaboration with Harvard University, the University of New Mexico, and the University of Balearic Islands.
As we face the challenges of rising sea levels in the present day, these ancient submerged structures serve as a reminder of our ancestors’ resilience and adaptability. They also underscore the urgent need to protect coastal archaeological sites that may hold more secrets about our past.
Quiz:
1. How old is the submerged bridge discovered in Mallorca’s Genovesa Cave?
2. What was the previous estimate for human settlement on Mallorca?
3. Who led the research team that made this discovery?
Answer Key:
1. Nearly 6,000 years old
2. Around 4,400 years ago
3. Professor Bogdan Onac from the University of South Florida
