In a first, archaeologists discover ancient Aboriginal sites underwater in Australia

Archaeologists have discovered Australia’s first-ever ancient Aboriginal site settled on sea bed for thousands of years, thus opening a new door to discovery of ancient settlements underwater since last ice .

Hidden artefacts including hundreds of ancient stone tools and grinding stones made by Indigeus Australians at least 7,000 years ago were discovered at two sites off remote Western Australian coast, near Burrup Peninsula which is famous for its ancient rock carvings.

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Ar site nearby revealed traces of human activity 14 metres below sea level dating back at least 8,500 years or more. Archaeologists have said that discovery marks an exciting first step in exploring more aboriginal sites that are believed to have been underwater since last ice between 18,000 and 8,000 years ago.

Professor Jonathan Benjamin of Flinders University, who co-authored study, believes that a large amount of archaeological evidence is present underwater, that records lives of Aboriginal Australians. discovery proves that some of this archaeological evidence survived process sea-level rise, which has w covered more than 30 per cent of Australia’s waters, he added.

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How was Aboriginal site discovered?

archaeologists studied geological charts and sites on land to help decide where to search underwater. team n used airborne laser scanners and high-resolution sonar on boats to locate likely areas, said James Cook University professor Sean Ulm. A team of divers mapped 269 artefacts at a site about 2.4 metres below sea level off Cape Bruguieres in Pilbara region and uncovered an underwater spring at ar site in Flying Foam Pass.

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Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation collaborated in efforts, with CEO Peter Jeffries, who said that furr exploration could help in discovering more cultural treasures. findings will help in better understanding lives of people who were connected to se areas which are w underwater, he added.

Archaeologists have discovered Aboriginal sites in inland Australia that date back to at least 65,000 years. first human settlers of continent are said to have arrived through Souast Asia, by sea and overland bridges that were later submerged.

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(With ncy inputs)