Humans Returned to Britain 500 Years Earlier After Last Ice Age: New Archaeological Evidence
New research indicates human presence in Britain much earlier than previously thought after the last ice age.
Source: Science DailyNew evidence suggests that humans returned to Britain approximately 500 years earlier than previously believed after the last ice age. Scientists now think people were present in the British Isles around 15,200 years ago. These early humans likely followed herds of reindeer and horses as the landscape became warmer and greener. This discovery changes our understanding of human migration patterns and settlement in post-glacial Britain. It highlights the adaptability of early human populations to changing environmental conditions.
- Humans are now believed to have returned to Britain around 15,200 years ago, 500 years earlier than previous estimates.
- This migration occurred shortly after the last ice sheet began to retreat from the region.
- Early humans likely tracked animals like reindeer and horses across the warming and greening landscape.
- The new findings revise the timeline for human re-colonization of Britain after the Last Glacial Maximum.
The most recent glacial period, also known as the Last Glacial Period, which occurred during the Pleistocene epoch. It was characterized by significant expansion of ice sheets and glaciers across the Northern Hemisphere, profoundly impacting global climate and sea levels.
The study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains. It helps reconstruct past societies, cultures, and environments.
Also known as the Middle Stone Age, it is an archaeological period between the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) and Neolithic (New Stone Age). It is characterized by the development of microliths and adaptation to post-glacial environments.
Exams often test knowledge about major human migration waves, significant archaeological discoveries, and the impact of climate change on early human settlements.
Remember 'Britain's Early Return' (BER) to link the new discovery of humans returning to Britain earlier than thought.