Deep in the dusty soils of San Diego, scientists unearthed a jaw-dropping find: a mastodon skeleton with clear signs of human butchery from 130,000 years ago. This incredible discovery challenges everything we thought we knew about when humans first arrived in the Americas. Dive into the thrilling tale of these ancient bones and the secrets they hold!
At a San Diego excavation site, researchers uncovered a mastodon skeleton with distinct spiral fractures and crushing patterns that could only have been caused by stone tools. Nearby, they found 32-pound (14.5kg) stones that perfectly matched the damage on the bones. Through meticulous scientific analysis and experimental recreations, experts confirmed these stones were used as hammers to break the bones and extract marrow – a common practice among ancient humans.
This find turns history on its head. Until now, scientists believed humans first reached the Americas around 15,000 years ago. These bones suggest they were here over 100,000 years earlier! To ensure accuracy, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) used uranium dating, pinning the bones’ age at 130,700 years (with a margin of +/- 9,400 years). The bones were embedded in fine sediments, ruling out natural causes for the unique damage patterns.
While no human remains were found at the site, the evidence of human activity was so compelling that the study earned a spot in Nature, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals. The San Diego discovery not only rewrites the timeline of human migration but also raises new questions: Who were these early humans? How did they live in the ancient Americas?
The 130,000-year-old mastodon bones from San Diego remind us that humanity’s story is still full of surprises. This groundbreaking find redefines when humans arrived in the Americas and sparks curiosity about the mysterious people who walked this land long ago. What other secrets lie buried beneath our feet? Stay tuned for more clues from the past!