Homo Erectus Skull Fragments Discovered: Rewriting History in Java

Fossilized skull fragments found off the coast of Java are changing our understanding of Homo erectus populations. These fragments suggest that the Javanese H. erectus were not as isolated as previously thought. The discovery was published in the journal *Quaternary Environments and Humans* on May 15. Indonesia's geography has changed dramatically over millions of years. During periods of lower sea levels, a large landmass called Sundaland connected many of the islands. The skull fragments were found in the Madura Strait, which separates Madura from Central Java. The fossils were recovered from sand dredged during a land reclamation project between 2014 and 2015. The dredging yielded approximately 6,000 fossil specimens, including the Homo erectus skull fragments. These findings offer a unique glimpse into the lives of these ancient humans. Harold Berghuis, an archeologist at Leiden University, described the finds as "truly unique." The fossils originated from a drowned river valley, filled with river sand around 140,000 years ago. This period coincided with the "penultimate glacial period," when sea levels were significantly lower. During this time, Sundaland resembled the African savannah, with grasslands, rivers, and forests. This environment provided Homo erectus with access to water, shellfish, fish, plants, and fruits. The area was also home to diverse animal species, including elephants, rhinos, and crocodiles. Evidence of butchery was found on animal bones, suggesting that Homo erectus hunted and consumed these animals. Cut marks on turtle bones and broken bovid bones indicate the consumption of bone marrow. This behavior, previously documented in mainland Asian human species, suggests potential contact or genetic exchange between these groups.