A 140,000-year-old human ancestor's skull discovered underwater may reveal a lost world

Skull Discovery Beneath Sea May Reveal Lost Human World (Representative Image: Canva)

The sea has long had secrets hidden beneath its turbulent waves. But today, scientists think one of them has come to the surface — a lost chapter in early human existence hidden from time and tide.

Ancient Skull Discovered Below Madura Strait

Researchers discovered a fossilised Homo erectus skull in Indonesia. It was hidden by heavy silt in the Madura Strait. The channel is what divides Java and Madura islands in Southeast Asia.

The skull remained buried for almost 140,000 years. It was unearthed during construction activities in 2011. But the news was released only this month in Quaternary Environments and Human.

Lead researcher Harold Berghuis presented details on the discovery. "This time was characterised by mobile and diverse hominin groups," he stated.

The group also discovered more than 6,000 nearby animal fossils. These fossils belonged to 36 species, such as Komodo dragons and elephants. Some bones have cut marks that indicate intentional human hunting.

Berghuis supplemented, "Madura Strait hominins might have hunted on their own. But there's a chance that they shared culture and methods."

Possible Link to Lost Land of Sundaland

Scientists believe this location might connect Sundaland. This ancient continent previously joined Southeast Asia as a green plain. It was submerged beneath the sea thousands of years ago.

The Homo erectus skull could be evidence of their existence there. If that is the case, it alters concepts about early human migration.

Between 14,000 and 7,000 years ago, the glaciers rapidly melted. Sea levels rose over 120 metres, inundating Sundaland. The fossil find might be our earliest direct evidence. It provides a glimpse into ancient life prior to the sea domination.

Who Were Homo Erectus?

Homo erectus were early human ancestors. They resembled us more than previous species. They had long legs, short arms, and stood upright. Their robust build and erect posture enabled them to survive. This discovery brings added richness to their long journey. It is a reminder of how much history is beneath the waves.