Early humans may have settled in Mallorca 6,000 years ago

Early humans may have settled in a cave on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, a group of researchers has discovered. The discovery was made due to the identification of an ancient flooded bridge, which is said to have been built around 6,000 years ago. The discovery revises the previously accepted timeline of human settlement on the island, suggesting that the region was inhabited much earlier than previously thought. In 2000, researchers discovered the 25-foot-long (7.6-meter) bridge during a diving expedition in a flooded cave.

New dating techniques reveal previous human presence

The bridge, built from large limestone blocks, was originally estimated to be about 4,400 years old, based on pottery fragments found in the cave. However, a recent analysis led by University of South Florida geology professor Bogdan Onac has shown that this estimate was incorrect.

To determine the actual age of the bridge, research team analyzed a distinct light-colored band on the upper portion of the bridge, formed by calcite crusting. These deposits, known as speleothems, revealed changes in sea level over time. By studying these mineral deposits, the researchers concluded that the bridge was built approximately 6,000 years ago, pushing back the timeline of human habitation on the island by 1,600 years.

Significance of the discovery

This discovery is important because it suggests that humans were present on Mallorca much earlier than previously thought. The popular belief in the scientific community is that the island, unlike other Mediterranean islands such as Cyprus and Crete, was one of the last to be inhabited.

The researchers believe that more research is needed to understand why Mallorca was settled later than other islands in the region. It could be that the island lacked essential resources, such as agricultural land, that were needed to sustain early human populations.