300,000-year-old obsidian challenges assumptions about prehistoric trade depth. Isotope analysis of obsidian artifacts dated to 300,000 years ago reveals non-local origins These artifacts predate fully Homo sapiens sapiens Evidence indicates humans were trading or traveling long distances far earlier than previously thought
200,000-year-old obsidian artifacts are forcing archaeologists to rethink early human movement. Chemical fingerprinting shows these stone tools came from distant sources—long before Homo sapiens sapiens existed. Either our ancient ancestors traveled incredible distances, or organized trade networks emerged far earlier than the fossil record suggested 🪨🔍 The implications for understanding our deep past are staggering
Key Facts
- Isotope analysis of obsidian artifacts dated to 300,000 years ago reveals non-local origins
- These artifacts predate fully Homo sapiens sapiens
- Evidence indicates humans were trading or traveling long distances far earlier than previously thought
- Such trade networks alter understanding of deep human past
Source: Debating the Mysteries of Trade & Exchange in the Neolithic by The Prehistory Guys