High-Altitude Human Occupation in Australia During the Last Ice Age
Archaeologists and local First Nations groups have discovered early evidence that challenges previous views on human habitation and mobility at high altitudes in Australia. A recent study published in Nature Human Behaviour, led by Amy Way, a research archaeologist at the University of Sydney, confirms that areas above 700 meters were inhabited during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), between 26,000 and 19,000 years ago.
Key Findings of the Study
- Nearly 700 artifacts were found, indicating repeated human occupation dating back 20,000 years.
- The artifacts suggest ongoing connections with nearby regional populations.
- These findings challenge the assumption that Australia's cold climate and sparse landscape at high elevations prevented human survival.
Environmental Conditions at the Time
During the LGM, the Blue Mountains region experienced temperatures at least eight degrees Celsius colder than today above the periglacial limit—the altitude where conditions become too harsh for human settlement. The treeline was located hundreds of meters below the cave sites, resulting in limited firewood availability, and many water sources froze during winter.
Collaboration with Indigenous Communities
Amy Way and her team worked closely with Aboriginal communities connected to the region, emphasizing the vital role of Indigenous engagement in archaeological research.
"Throughout the entire research process, we collaborated with Aboriginal communities that hold traditional connections to the region, highlighting the importance of centering Indigenous and local communities in archaeological research."
Summary
The study reveals that humans adapted to and survived in Australia's high-altitude zones during the Last Ice Age despite harsh climatic challenges, reshaping our understanding of ancient human resilience and mobility.