Archaeologists discover 1.5-million-year-old tools in the heart of the desert

An innovative archaeological discovery has been made, with over 850 Paleolithic objects uncovered, including hand axes dating back up to 1.5 million years. The findings, made entirely with the naked eye, offer invaluable insights into the ancient tools of early human ancestors, shedding light on an important era of tool production during the Paleolithic period. This discovery was made possible through a collaborative project led by Dr. Ella Egberts of the Free University of Brussels (VUB), Jaafar Jotheri of Al-Qadisiyah University, and independent researcher Andreas Nymark, together with local researchers in Iraq.

The discoveries were made in an area that once contained a large Pleistocene lake, providing clues about early human life in the region. The now-arid desert terrain, far from any major water source today, was once crisscrossed by fossilized river channels, suggesting it played a vital role in the survival of early human populations. This was not just a desert landscape, but a lifeline for people who may have relied on these ancient waters for food and migration.

Dr. Ella Egberts and her team carried out a pilot project in the area to explore surface materials scattered throughout the landscape. This specific region in Iraq, marked by ancient waterbeds, holds tremendous potential for understanding how early humans interacted with their environment. The large discovery area (approximately 10 by 20 km) helped uncover several Paleolithic sites, where tools were initially observed and then studied in more detail.

Among the most significant finds were hand axes, dating from the Early Paleolithic period. These tools, some possibly up to 1.5 million years old, demonstrate the early stages of human toolmaking. Early humans likely used these tools for essential tasks like hunting, food processing, and survival in harsh conditions. The discovery of these Old Paleolithic materials shows that early humans had already begun shaping their environment, albeit with relatively rudimentary tools.

“Fieldwork was a great success,” Dr. Egberts confirms. “Our targeted work in the field resulted in the discovery of seven Paleolithic sites across a 10 by 20 km area. One location was chosen for systematic study to determine the spatial distribution of Paleolithic material and to conduct preliminary technological and typological analyses.”

These early tools, such as hand axes, have given archaeologists a deeper understanding of the timeline of human evolution and survival strategies. However, the discovery does not end there—more advanced tools were also found at the site.

Between 300,000 and 50,000 years ago, humans significantly advanced their tool-making techniques. During the Middle Paleolithic, they developed a more organized and sophisticated way of shaping stone tools. The Levallois technique, where a stone core is carefully shaped to produce specific flakes, is one such example. This method indicates that early humans were not only more precise in their craftsmanship but also capable of planning and anticipating their needs.

The discovery of Levallois flakes in the region offers intriguing insights into the cognitive and social development of early human groups. As Egberts explains, “Based on the distribution of sites and an increasing understanding of the region’s geomorphological history, there is new evidence of early human landscape use. In the future, I hope to expand my research to a larger area, collect systematic samples from all sites, and conduct in-depth technological and typological analyses of the artifacts. The new knowledge we bring from Iraq will then be integrated into the broader understanding of human evolution and behavior on the Arabian Peninsula.”

The transition from hand axes to more advanced tools reflects the changing needs of human societies as they adapted to their environments and developed new methods of survival and innovation.

A key part of Dr. Egberts’ project was her commitment to fostering the next generation of archaeologists. Throughout the study, she led field training for local students from Al-Qadisiyah University. These hands-on experiences allowed students to engage directly with ancient artifacts and gain valuable skills in archaeological techniques. It also gave them the opportunity to analyze surrounding soils and understand the complex layers that have preserved these ancient materials.

Jaafar Jotheri, one of the local researchers involved, stated that this collaborative fieldwork “provided invaluable learning opportunities for students who gained hands-on experience with Paleolithic objects and in analyzing surrounding soils.” This aspect of the project highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in preserving archaeological heritage, while also nurturing the skills necessary for future research.

“KORÇA BOOM”