Researchers find mysterious 9,000 year old structures in Western Australia
Researchers find mysterious 9,000 year old structures in Western Australia
September 7, 2016
by Chuck Bednar
Archaeologists from the University of Western Australia have discovered evidence of one of the continent’s oldest settlements – circular stone houses dating back to shortly after the last ice age, making them between 8,000 and 9,000 years old, various media outlets have reported.
The discovery was made by Professor Jo McDonald and her colleagues at a site on the Dampier Archipelago, a chain of islands located off the coast of Western Australia. The houses were dated using the shells of edible mangrove gastropods found inside, according to The Australian.
In a statement, Professor McDonald called this “one of the earliest known domestic structures in Australia,” adding, “This is an astounding find and has not only enormous scientific significance but will be of great benefit to Aboriginal communities in the area, enhancing their connections to their deep past and cultural heritage.”
According to ScienceAlert, the researchers discovered knee-high rock walls and believe that whoever built the structures may have used them and tree boughs to make a roof from branches or other plant materials. They added that the domiciles appeared to have individual rooms, such as a special area for sleeping and another for working.
Read more at http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1113415743/structures-western-australia-090716/#mYssIMBGeCuhXfk9.99
