Ancient humans took two distinct routes to what is now Australia
Helen Farr and Erich Fisher
Exploring the ancient migration of humans to what is now Australia and New Guinea has been a topic of great interest and debate among scientists for many years. Recent genetic studies indicate that this migration likely occurred over 60,000 years ago and involved two distinct routes.
The region that comprises mainland Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea was once part of the ancient continent of Sahul, existing during periods of lower sea levels. The challenging aspect of this migration is the open ocean crossings of at least 100 kilometers that ancient humans would have had to undertake.
There are two main theories regarding the timing of human arrival in Sahul: one suggests it happened over 60,000 years ago, while the other proposes a timeline around 45,000 years ago. In terms of migration routes, scientists have identified a southern route through the Sunda region and a northern route via the Philippines and Sulawesi.
A study led by Martin Richards at the University of Huddersfield analyzed genome sequences from Indigenous Australians, Papua New Guineans, and populations across the western Pacific and southeast Asia. The research concluded that the initial settlement of Sahul likely occurred through both routes, with a majority of migrants taking the northern path.
The study also supports the idea of an early settlement around 60,000 years ago, challenging the previously suggested timeline of 45,000 to 50,000 years ago. Evidence of a genetic lineage from New Guinea found in an ancient burial on Sulawesi further indicates a complex migration pattern within the region.
Adam Brumm at Griffith University highlights the significance of the northern route in the peopling of Australia, citing discoveries of ancient cave art in Sulawesi dating back over 50,000 years. This evidence suggests a long history of human presence in the region.
Peter Veth at the University of Western Australia notes that recent findings at the Madjedbebe site in the Northern Territory support an early human presence in Sahul over 60,000 years ago. The research sheds light on the diverse migration patterns and activities of ancient humans in the region.
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