Hunter-Gatherers Reached Malta 8,500 Years Ago

Recent studies have revealed that hunter-gatherers reached the Mediterranean island of Malta 8,500 years ago, crossing over 100 kilometers of open sea using dugout canoes. This discovery, published in Nature, challenges previous beliefs that such maritime voyages were only possible post-agriculture. Evidence, including stone tools and cooked food remains, suggests these early humans were adept at navigating using currents, stars, and landmarks, despite the absence of sails. The findings, led by Professor Eleanor Scerri, imply that hunter-gatherers not only reached Malta but possibly contributed to the extinction of local species. This study pushes back the timeline of human settlement on Malta by a thousand years, predating the arrival of farming communities. The research highlights the advanced maritime skills of these early humans, impacting the narrative of human migration and technological evolution.