Monday, 15 January 2024

How did early humans get to Australia from Africa with no boats?

 How did early humans get to Australia from Africa with no boats?

Picture this: Africa, the cradle of humanity, is teeming with our early ancestors, Homo sapiens. These intrepid explorers, driven by an insatiable thirst for adventure, gradually spread across the globe. However, their journey to Australia would prove to be one of the most daring feats of all.

At the time of their exodus, around 50,000 to 70,000 years ago, Earth was in the grip of an ice age. Yes, the polar ice caps had expanded, locking up vast quantities of water and causing a dramatic drop in sea levels. This climatic phenomenon exposed vast tracts of land, creating a series of land bridges and shallow seas that connected the continents. Our ancestors, in their infinite wisdom, recognized these newly exposed landmasses as potential routes to unexplored realms. They embarked on a treacherous journey, venturing through the harsh landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula, India, and Southeast Asia. Along the way, they encountered untold dangers, from wild beasts to inhospitable environments. The final leg of their odyssey was perhaps the most audacious of all. They had to traverse the submerged land bridge known as Sundaland and cross the open waters to the isolated continent of Sahul, encompassing modern-day Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania.

But how, you may ask, did they accomplish this seemingly impossible feat without boats? The answer lies in their cunning and resourcefulness. These proto-Australians likely used rudimentary watercraft, such as rafts, to navigate the narrow channels between the islands. They may have even island-hopped during periods of low tide, wading and swimming their way to the next island. As they continued their relentless march, these intrepid explorers colonized the new land, adapting to the diverse and alien environments they encountered. They braved the scorching deserts, the dense jungles, and the treacherous coastlines, leaving their indelible mark on the continent that would become Australia.

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