Archaeologists in Morocco have made a groundbreaking discovery, unearthing more than 80 human footprints dating back approximately 100,000 years, believed to be the oldest in North Africa. These remarkable footprints, thought to have been left by five Homo sapiens, including children, were found on the coast of Larache, shedding light on ancient human migration patterns and activities.
Anass Sedrati, curator at the archaeological site of Lixus Larache, described the significance of the find, suggesting that the group of Homo sapiens was likely crossing the beach towards the sea, possibly in search of food and shellfish, indicating they were likely fishermen or gatherers. The footprints provide invaluable insights into the behavior and lifestyle of our ancient ancestors.
Published in the scientific journal Nature, the study conducted by researchers from Morocco, Spain, France, and Germany hailed the footprints as some of the world’s best-preserved human traces. They represent the oldest evidence of human presence in North Africa and the southern Mediterranean region, offering a glimpse into our distant past.
The discovery, made during a field mission in July 2022, forms part of a broader research project on the origins and dynamics of coastal landscapes. The footprints, beautifully preserved over thousands of years, underscore the rich archaeological heritage of the region.
Anass Sedrati emphasized the importance of preserving this remarkable site, especially in the face of threats posed by rising sea levels and erosion. The footprints serve as a tangible link to our ancient past and offer a unique opportunity to study human history in the region.
Furthermore, the discovery complements previous findings of Homo sapiens remains dating back 300,000 years in northwest Morocco, pushing back the estimated origin of the human species. The presence of human footprints alongside animal traces further enhances the significance of Larache in understanding human evolution and migration patterns.
As sediment erosion continues, more footprints are expected to be uncovered, promising further insights into the lives of our ancient ancestors. The ongoing research project aims to uncover additional traces, providing a more comprehensive understanding of Homo sapiens who inhabited the coastal regions of Morocco thousands of years ago.
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