Images of certain hominid traces in Larache. (a) Two side-by-side tracks at the bottom of the photo, which also represent a ground control point (cardboard tiles) for the differential GPS survey. (b) Two transverse paths and photography for 3D footprint modeling. (c) to (g) Detailed view of some prints. White scale bars = 20 cm. Credit: Scientific reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52344-5
An international team of archaeologists has found and identified a track made by several humans around 90,000 years ago in what is now Morocco. In their article published in the journal Scientific reportsthe group describes how they tested the origin of the tracks.
Finding footprints left by humans thousands of years ago is extremely rare due to their generally ephemeral nature. Yet, from time to time, events will occur to preserve the imprints, such as being encased in hardening sediments. Such imprints can then be revealed over time as the material that once hid them erodes. In this case, the footprints were found in a sandy stretch on a rocky part of the Moroccan coastline.
As is often the case with archaeological discoveries, the traces were discovered by chance. The research team was in the area studying rocks near the ocean when they noticed a footprint in a nearby patch of sand. Further examination revealed more prints, which turned out to be human prints.
Hominid footprints from Larache. (a) Natural views and shaded 3D elevation of (a) C01-01, (b) C03-01, (c) C02-01, and (d) C03-21). Scale bar, 2 cm. 3D models were generated with Agisoft Metashape software (version 2.0.1, using between 18 and 20 images taken with a Nikon D7500 (20.9 MP, Nikon AF-S DX35mm f/1.8 G) at a height approximately 0.5 to 1.5 m. Credit: Scientific reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52344-5
Intrigued by their discovery, the team studied the prints using optically stimulated luminescence and discovered that they were made around 90,000 years ago, during the late Pleistocene.
Further study of the tracks showed that they were made by at least five people. They also found that the tracks were made by people of different ages, including children, teenagers and adults. And because they depicted people walking, rather than just a footprint, they were designated as a pathway. The track is the only known human track from this time in history in this part of the world.
The research team suggests that the preservation of the track is due to a number of factors, such as location, sediment composition, position of the beach in relation to the sea, tides and probably others unknown events. It was also unclear what the group of people on the beach was doing or why they were there. Possibilities include foraging or perhaps keeping cool. Or maybe they just looked around the area and found a beach route that was easiest to navigate.
More information:
Mouncef Sedrati et al, A Late Pleistocene hominid footprint site on the North African coast of Morocco, Scientific reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52344-5
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Quote: 90,000-year-old human footprints found on a Moroccan beach (January 31, 2024) recovered on January 31, 2024 from
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