The discovery of stone tools, animal bones, and other artifacts in Malta indicates that humans inhabited the Mediterranean island around 8,500 years ago, a thousand years earlier than previously thought. These findings suggest that these early inhabitants were likely skilled seafarers who traveled across at least 100 kilometers of open ocean to reach Malta. Evidence from genetic studies also suggests that they may have had European hunter-gatherer ancestry, supporting the possibility of seafaring connections within the Mediterranean.
Recent excavations at a site in northern Malta called Latnija revealed traces of human habitation that date back around 8,500 years ago. The artifacts found at this site, such as stone tools and animal remains, suggest that these ancient inhabitants were typical Stone Age hunter-gatherers, possibly originating from the European continent. Despite the lack of boat remains at the site, evidence of seafaring journeys is supported by the geographical proximity of Malta to Sicily and the presence of a strong ocean current that could have facilitated the journey.
Experimental replicas of ancient canoes discovered in northern Italy provide insight into the type of craft that early seafarers might have used for their ocean crossings. These canoes, about 7,000 years old and hollowed out from single tree trunks, suggest a seafaring design with primitive outriggers. The estimated travel speed of such canoes indicates that the journey from Sicily to Malta could have taken approximately 25 hours, requiring navigation skills based on celestial observations and ocean currents.
The discovery of ancient seafaring communities in Malta challenges previous assumptions that hunter-gatherers were incapable of making intentional and systematic sea crossings. The presence of Stone Age farmers in mainland Europe around 9,000 years ago may have led to disruptions that prompted some hunter-gatherers to leave for Malta, contributing to the diverse interactions and exchanges between Mediterranean societies. Overall, these findings provide important insights into the seafaring abilities of prehistoric humans and their connections across the Mediterranean region.
Archaeological evidence uncovered by researchers like Eleanor Scerri and her team sheds light on the early seafaring journeys of hunter-gatherers and their interactions with different regions. The genetic analysis of an 8,000-year-old individual from Tunisia displaying European hunter-gatherer ancestry supports the theory of seafaring networks across the Mediterranean. This evidence points to a cultural exchange between ancient societies that occurred earlier than previously believed, enhancing our understanding of ancient human migrations and connections in the prehistoric past.
