A recent study led by the University of South Florida has revealed new insights into the human colonization of the western Mediterranean. By examining a 25-foot submerged bridge located inside Genovesa Cave on the Spanish island of Mallorca, researchers were able to provide evidence of early human activity that challenges previous assumptions about the timeline of settlement on Mediterranean islands. The presence of the submerged bridge and other artifacts suggests a sophisticated level of activity by early settlers who recognized the cave’s water resources and strategically built infrastructure to navigate it.
The cave, located near Mallorca’s coast, has passages that are now flooded due to rising sea levels. By analyzing distinct calcite encrustations and a light-colored band on the submerged bridge, researchers were able to track historical sea-level changes and date the bridge’s construction to nearly 6,000 years ago. Previous research had suggested human presence on Mallorca dating back as far as 9,000 years, but inconsistencies in radiocarbon dating of materials such as bones and pottery led to doubts about these findings. Newer studies using charcoal, ash, and bones found on the island point to a timeline of human settlement about 4,400 years ago, aligning human presence with significant environmental events like the extinction of the goat-antelope genus Myotragus balearicus.
The discovery of the submerged bridge and the revised timeline of human settlement on Mallorca helps to narrow the gap between the settlement timelines of islands throughout the Mediterranean region. This research highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in uncovering historical truths and advancing our understanding of human history. The study was supported by National Science Foundation grants and involved extensive fieldwork, including underwater exploration and precise dating techniques. The research team, led by Professor Bogdan Onac, plans to continue exploring cave systems to identify preindustrial sea levels and investigate the impact of modern greenhouse warming on sea-level rise.
The study also involved collaboration with Harvard University, the University of New Mexico, and the University of Balearic Islands, showcasing the importance of partnerships in advancing research in the field of archaeology. By combining geological, archaeological, and environmental data, researchers were able to paint a more detailed picture of early human activity in the western Mediterranean. The findings from this study shed light on the sophisticated nature of early Mediterranean island settlers, who were able to recognize and utilize the resources available to them, even in challenging environments like caves that are now partially submerged.
Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the history of human colonization in the western Mediterranean and challenges long-held assumptions about the timeline of settlement on Mediterranean islands. By using innovative techniques to analyze cave formations and artifacts, researchers were able to revise the estimated timeline of human presence on Mallorca and narrow the gap between eastern and western Mediterranean settlements. The interdisciplinary nature of this study highlights the importance of collaboration in advancing our knowledge of human history and the impact of environmental changes on ancient civilizations.
