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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