Недавние исследования показали, что 42 000 лет назад люди обладалиadvanced technologies that allowed them to cross vast distances by sea and colonize remote islands, such as those located in what we now know as Indonesia. The evidence found suggests that these navigators developed complex maritime techniques, building rudimentary but effective vessels and having a deep understanding of navigation.
A team from the Australian National University (ANU) discovered archaeological remains on Tanimbar Island, in southeastern Indonesia, indicating the presence of humans in that area about 42,000 years ago. This finding provides new clues about how these early navigators crossed large bodies of water and contributed to the expansion of humanity across Southeast Asia.
The advanced technology of these ancient navigators included the use of boats made from logs, bark, and vines, equipped with sails and oars to improve their maneuverability in open sea. In addition, they had a profound knowledge of ocean currents, tides, and winds, allowing them to navigate long distances successfully.
The first settlers likely followed a coastal navigation strategy, hopping from island to island and temporarily settling to take advantage of natural resources before continuing their journey. This process of migration facilitated cultural exchange and adaptation among the different communities in the region, constantly improving maritime techniques and vessels.
The southern route to the Sahul platform, which connected Australia and New Guinea in prehistoric times, was key in this migration process. The discovery in Tanimbar reinforces the idea that these ancient navigators followed this route from Southeast Asia, passing through islands like Timor and Tanimbar before reaching Australia.
