KUWAIT CITY, Oct 12: New findings from research conducted at Kalambo Falls have unveiled that approximately half a million years ago, our ancient human ancestors were already deeply involved in sophisticated woodworking endeavors.

The unearthed artifacts strongly suggest that these early humans were constructing intricate structures and habitats far earlier than previously believed.

A joint team from the University of Liverpool and Aberystwyth University meticulously excavated and examined well-preserved wood samples at Kalambo Falls in Zambia, dating back an astonishing 476,000 years.

Through a detailed analysis of stone tool cut marks on the wood, the team deduced that these early humans ingeniously employed woodworking techniques to undertake advanced industrial activities.

Until this groundbreaking revelation, it was widely held that humans primarily utilized wood for more basic purposes like kindling fires, creating digging implements, and fashioning spears.

Typically, wood deteriorates over time and vanishes, but at Kalambo Falls, the rising water levels have providentially safeguarded and conserved these ancient wooden constructions.

Professor Larry Parham, hailing from the University of Liverpool, elucidated the significance of this discovery, stating, "Humans exhibited their intelligence, imagination, and skills by fabricating something unprecedented, something that hadn't previously existed."

Leveraging fluorescence dating techniques, Aberystwyth University focused on ascertaining the last instance when the surrounding sand minerals were exposed to sunlight. This innovative method broadens the horizons of dating techniques, granting unparalleled insights into the course of human evolution, as outlined in a study published in the esteemed scientific journal SciTech Daily.

Professor Jeff Dowler emphasized the importance of this breakthrough, underscoring that while Kalambo Falls had been excavated in the 1960s, the lack of sophisticated dating methods during that era obscured the site's true significance.

Given its archaeological prominence, Kalambo Falls holds the distinguished title of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ongoing research, a vital component of the pioneering Deep Roots of Humanity project, endeavors to unravel the trajectory of human technological advancements during the Stone Age.