A Groundbreaking Discovery in Ancient Pottery

Archaeologists have unearthed fragments of clay pots in a Chinese cave, dating back an astonishing 19,000 to 20,000 years! These ancient vessels are 2,000 to 3,000 years older than any other pottery found in East Asia, challenging long-held beliefs about the timeline of human innovation.

Pottery: A Surprise from the Ice Age

Initially, it was thought that pottery came alongside the advent of agriculture. However, these findings suggest that our Ice Age ancestors created and utilized these cooking devices well before learning to farm. This hints at the resourcefulness of mobile foragers who thrived during the Last Glacial Maximum.

What Were They Cooking?

So what delicacies did these ancient potters cook? A 2013 study explored even older pottery from the Japanese Jōmon period, finding residues mainly from aquatic life—primarily fish. Although the residue from the Chinese pottery remains untested, experts like archaeologist Zhijun Zhao suggest they likely prepared clams, snails, and perhaps even early versions of beer.

An Evolutionary Leap in Survival

Yaroslav V. Kuzmin, a geoarchaeologist, remarked on the monumental impact of pottery's emergence in prehistory. This innovation may have allowed early East Asians to adapt to rapid climate changes, showcasing human ingenuity in the face of adversity.

The Age of Innovation

These findings not only rewrite our understanding of early human life but also highlight the timeline of technological advancement. From the use of hydrothermal springs 1.8 million years ago to possible early metalworking in Türkiye, the journey of human innovation is far older and more complex than we ever imagined.

A Glimpse into Our Ancestral Diets

As we delve deeper into these archaeological treasures, we uncover a fascinating narrative of survival and adaptation, providing a glimpse into the diets of our ancestors and their remarkable ability to harness nature's resources.