Postavke privatnosti

The discovery of the sunken bridge in Mallorca changes the history of human colonization of the Mediterranean: evidence of population older than 6,000 years reveals new insights

New research reveals that people settled in Mallorca much earlier than previously thought. A sunken bridge in the Genovesa Cave provides evidence of a human presence older than 6,000 years, altering historical assumptions about the colonization of the Mediterranean.

The discovery of the sunken bridge in Mallorca changes the history of human colonization of the Mediterranean: evidence of population older than 6,000 years reveals new insights
Photo by: Domagoj Skledar - ilustracija/ arhiva (vlastita)

A recent discovery of an ancient submerged bridge in the Genovesa cave on Mallorca, a Spanish island in the western Mediterranean, has led to significant changes in our understanding of early human activity in this region. The research team led by a geology professor from the University of South Florida, Bogdan Onac, has uncovered evidence suggesting that humans settled on Mallorca much earlier than previously thought, pushing back the start of human colonization of the island by more than two thousand years.

Bridge as a key evidence of early human presence
The discovered bridge, built from large limestone blocks, is located within a flooded cave and extends over a length of 7.6 meters. By analyzing the mineral deposits that formed on the bridge, researchers have determined that it was constructed nearly 6,000 years ago, which is significantly earlier than previous estimates. This analysis included studying the light-colored deposits on the upper part of the bridge, which resulted from changes in sea level and the deposition of calcite layers over millennia.

Historical context and significance of the discovery
Although Mallorca is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, it was among the last to be colonized. While islands like Cyprus and Crete were settled as early as 9,000 years ago, newer evidence, such as this bridge discovery, suggests that human activity on Mallorca began much earlier than previously believed. Previous studies placed the first human traces on the island at around 4,400 years ago, but this discovery pushes that date back by an additional 1,600 years. These findings align with the timeline of settlement between the eastern and western Mediterranean, indicating the existence of a continuous expansion of human civilization across this area.

Research methods and future studies
The research team used sophisticated dating techniques and underwater explorations to reach these conclusions. Periods of high sea levels left traces on the bridge, allowing for precise dating of the structure. This discovery highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, as geologists, archaeologists, and other experts worked together to reconstruct historical events. Onac plans to continue investigating other cave systems, some of which contain deposits millions of years old, with the goal of identifying pre-industrial sea levels and exploring the impact of modern global warming on sea level rise.

Impact on future research and heritage protection
This discovery has far-reaching implications not only for understanding the history of human migration and settlement but also for future research in the field of underwater archaeology. Given the increasing threat of sea level rise due to climate change, similar submerged structures could provide crucial information on how our ancestors adapted to changing environmental conditions. At the same time, it underscores the urgency of protecting coastal archaeological sites that may hold even more secrets about our past.

The research was funded by several grants from the National Science Foundation and conducted in collaboration with Harvard University, the University of New Mexico, and the University of the Balearic Islands.

Source: University of South Florida

Find accommodation nearby

Creation time: 01 September, 2024

History desk

The History Editorial Office brings together authors who have lived with history for years – not only through books, but through archives, old newspapers, letters, photographs, and conversations with witnesses of the time. The editorial team consists of history enthusiasts, journalists, and dedicated volunteers who are used to spending hours in reading rooms, libraries, and digital archives, verifying every detail before it becomes a story. More than thirty years of experience in journalism and research is reflected in every text signed by the History Editorial Office.

Our writing does not rely on retelling already known facts. Each text is created from a combination of sources: official documents, scientific papers, memoirs, newspaper articles from the period we write about, and personal testimonies whenever possible. Instead of replicating someone else’s interpretations, we strive to show the reader how a particular event really unfolded, in what kind of society it emerged, and how it affected ordinary people. We pay special attention to small details – what the streets looked like, what people read, what was whispered in cafés or marketplaces – because such images make the past come alive.

The History Editorial Office writes about periods and topics that cross state and language borders. We deal with political upheavals, wars, and revolutions, but approach cultural history, everyday life, sports and music events, and the development of technology and media with equal seriousness. We see history as a network of stories in which great events intertwine with intimate destinies, and well-known names stand alongside people whose identities have been barely preserved in documents. This breadth allows us to approach each topic from multiple angles and offer a text that is clear, but never simplified to banality.

We strive to write each article so that it maintains journalistic clarity and rhythm, while giving maximum attention to facts. We avoid sensationalism, do not hide dilemmas, and do not skip the darker parts of the past simply because they are uncomfortable. When different interpretations exist, we clearly indicate the sources and explain why certain historians disagree. Instead of final judgments, we offer the reader context and material to form their own opinion. We believe that an honest approach to history is the only way to leave a credible mark for future generations.

Our main ambition is for the reader, while going through our texts, to feel as if sitting at a table with people who have devoted their entire lives to this subject. We want each story to be clear enough for someone interested in history out of curiosity, yet precise enough to be quoted by an expert without hesitation. The editorial office believes that history does not belong only to classrooms and scholarly books; it is present in cities, languages, customs, and family memories. That is why we write with the conviction that a well-told and thoroughly researched historical story can help the reader better understand the world they live in today.

NOTE FOR OUR READERS
Karlobag.eu provides news, analyses and information on global events and topics of interest to readers worldwide. All published information is for informational purposes only.
We emphasize that we are not experts in scientific, medical, financial or legal fields. Therefore, before making any decisions based on the information from our portal, we recommend that you consult with qualified experts.
Karlobag.eu may contain links to external third-party sites, including affiliate links and sponsored content. If you purchase a product or service through these links, we may earn a commission. We have no control over the content or policies of these sites and assume no responsibility for their accuracy, availability or any transactions conducted through them.
If we publish information about events or ticket sales, please note that we do not sell tickets either directly or via intermediaries. Our portal solely informs readers about events and purchasing opportunities through external sales platforms. We connect readers with partners offering ticket sales services, but do not guarantee their availability, prices or purchase conditions. All ticket information is obtained from third parties and may be subject to change without prior notice. We recommend that you thoroughly check the sales conditions with the selected partner before any purchase, as the Karlobag.eu portal does not assume responsibility for transactions or ticket sale conditions.
All information on our portal is subject to change without prior notice. By using this portal, you agree to read the content at your own risk.