Scientists Unearth Oldest Sandals in Europe Dating Back 6,000 Years
In a remarkable discovery, scientists have uncovered what is believed to be the oldest pair of sandals ever found in Europe, estimated to be over 6,000 years old. These ancient footwear artifacts were discovered alongside numerous other items in a bat cave system located in southern Spain. The research, conducted by the Universidad de Alcalá and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, provides the first direct evidence of basketry among hunter-gatherer societies and early farmers in Southern Europe.
The remarkable collection of objects was found in Cueva de los Murciélagos de Albuñol in Granada, Spain. Among the findings were baskets, sandals, and organic tools that were once associated with early Neolithic farming communities. By closely examining the raw materials and utilizing advanced technology, the researchers have determined that these items date back to the early and middle Holocene period, roughly between 9,500 and 6,200 years ago. Remarkably, wooden mallets and esparto sandals from this period have been specifically dated to be 6,200 years old.
Francisco Martínez Sevilla, a researcher in the Prehistory Department of the University of Alcalá, expressed his excitement over these findings, stating that the objects challenge the simplistic assumptions often made about prehistoric communities. “The quality and technological complexity of the basketry makes us question the simplistic assumptions we have about human communities prior to the arrival of agriculture in Southern Europe,” Sevilla said.
The pair of sandals discovered in the cave is particularly significant. It is considered the earliest and most diverse collection of prehistoric footwear found not only on the Iberian Peninsula but also in all of Europe. Thanks to the low humidity levels in the cave, the sandals have been exceptionally well-preserved.
The unique preservation conditions in the cave, characterized by incredibly low humidity levels, are attributed to the geological nature of the site, as discussed in a report published in the Science Advance journal. These optimal conditions have allowed for the remarkable preservation of organic materials.
It is worth noting that these ancient artifacts were initially discovered during mining activities in the 19th century and were documented by Manuel de Góngora y Martínez. The recent research has shed new light on their significance and their importance in understanding the history of human civilizations.
This groundbreaking discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the lives of our ancient ancestors and challenges the prevailing assumptions about prehistoric societies. By examining these ancient objects, scientists are gaining deeper insights into the technological advancements and cultural practices of early civilizations. The sandals serve as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our predecessors, cementing their place in history.
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