Archaeological Find in Malta Pushes Back Human Habitation by 1,000 Years, Revealing Early Seafaring Hunter-Gatherers

Archaeological evidence discovered on the Mediterranean island of Malta indicates human habitation dating back 8,500 years, a millennium earlier than previously believed. This finding challenges the assumption that small islands could not sustain hunter-gatherer populations without agriculture. The research, led by Prof. Eleanor Scerri of the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology and Prof. Nicholas Vella of the University of Malta, reveals that these early inhabitants were hunter-gatherers who traveled at least 100 kilometers across open sea. Discovered at Latnija, the evidence includes stone tools, remains of wild animals (primarily deer), seafood, and hearths. The location of Malta, not visible from any landmass, suggests these Mesolithic people possessed advanced navigational and boat-building skills. This discovery alters the understanding of early seafaring and the capabilities of prehistoric hunter-gatherer societies.