Humans Occupied High-Altitude Sites in Australia During Last Ice Age
Archaeologists and local First Nations groups have discovered early evidence that reshapes the understanding of human presence and mobility at high altitudes in Australia. A new study in Nature Human Behaviour, led by Amy Way, a research archaeologist at the University of Sydney, confirms that sites above 700 meters elevation were inhabited during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), between 26,000 and 19,000 years ago.
Key Findings of the Study
- Almost 700 artifacts were uncovered, indicating repeated human occupation around 20,000 years ago.
- Evidence reveals connections between groups living in nearby regions.
- The findings challenge previous beliefs that the cold climate and sparse landscape at these altitudes prevented survival.
Environmental Conditions During the LGM
During the coldest period of the most recent ice age, the Blue Mountains experienced temperatures at least eight degrees Celsius lower than today above the periglacial limit—the altitude considered too cold and barren to sustain human life. The treeline was located hundreds of meters below the cave sites, resulting in very limited firewood availability, and water sources froze during winter.
Collaboration with Indigenous Communities
Amy Way and her team worked closely with Aboriginal communities holding traditional ties to the region throughout the research. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of involving Indigenous peoples in archaeological investigations.
The study highlights that "sites above 700 meters in Australia were inhabited during the Last Glacial Maximum," overturning assumptions about barriers to survival at high altitudes.
Author’s summary: This study reveals that despite harsh ice age conditions, humans occupied high-altitude regions in Australia 20,000 years ago, demonstrating adaptability and underscoring the vital role of Indigenous partnerships in archaeology.