Scientists conducting research in Morocco stumbled upon a remarkable archaeological find - an ancient human footprint dating back 90,000 years ago. This amazing discovery, preserved on a beach, is now considered one of the largest and best preserved trails ever discovered in the world.

A recent publication in the journal Scientific Reports explains how researchers accidentally stumbled upon track near the northern tip of North Africa in 2022. Lead author Mounsef Sedrati, assistant professor of coastal dynamics and geomorphology at the University of Southern Brittany in France, recounted the moment of discovery. “Between tides, I told my team that we should head north to explore another beach,” Sedrati shared. “We were surprised to find the first print. At first we weren't sure it was a trail, but then we discovered most of the trail."

Site analysis, noting a unique section of human trail found in North Africa and the Southern Mediterranean, revealed two separate tracks with a total of 85 human tracks. These traces, apparently left by at least five early modern people, tell the story of a bygone era.

Using optically stimulated luminescence dating, the researchers determined that about 90,000 years ago, During the late Pleistocene - the last ice age - a group of Homo sapiens, consisting of several generations, crossed this beach.

Sedrati further explained that they took measurements on site, to determine the length and depth of the prints, and based on foot pressure and footprint size, they were able to determine the approximate ages of individuals, including children, adolescents, and adults.

If reports are to be believed, the remarkable state of preservation of these ancients traces are explained by a combination of factors, including the location of the beach and the extensive tidal zone. “The location of the beach on a rocky platform covered with clay deposits is exceptional,” Sedrati emphasized.

He also added that these deposits create good conditions for the preservation of footprints on the sand spit while the tides The beach is quickly covered. That is why the traces are so well preserved here. This unexpected and incredible discovery not only sheds light on ancient human history, but also highlights the importance of chance discoveries in unraveling the mysteries of our past.

Source: timesofindia

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