An international team of researchers led by Professor Helen Farr from the University of Southampton and Professor Martin Richards from Huddersfield has shed light on the origins of the first inhabitants of Australia and New Guinea. The work, published in the journal Science Advances, sheds light on the ancient maritime migrations of Homo sapiens and their routes through the Sahul region, which connected present-day Australia and New Guinea during the Ice Age.
Place and time of first settlers
During the last ice age, sea levels were significantly lower, creating a single continent, Sahul. The area was a large expanse of land surrounded by shallow straits, allowing people to cross the waters using rafts or primitive boats. Scientists confirm that modern humans arrived here about 60,000 years ago, demonstrating what they call a “long chronology.” This refutes alternative versions suggesting a later migration around 45 thousand years ago. Travel takes place using maritime technology, although the exact routes have long been a matter of debate.
Genetic method
The research team focused on analyzing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is passed through the maternal line and can trace the ancestry of women in ancient populations. Using a “molecular clock,” researchers date genetic lineages by comparing them with known archaeological finds and paleogeographic data.
“This is strong evidence for long-term chronology,” Professor Richards said, highlighting the accuracy of the method in estimating when populations diverged.
Two migration paths
The results show that the first settlers arrived at Sahul by two different routes. The Northern Route ran through northern Indonesia and the Philippines, allowing settlement of New Guinea and all of Australia. The southern route originates from southern Indonesia, Malaysia and Indochina and is limited to southern Australia. Both routes are roughly the same age, about 60,000 years ago, which confirms the simultaneous development of different areas on the mainland.
Archaeological evidence
Although DNA is poorly preserved in tropical regions, researchers were able to isolate genetic material from Iron Age archaeological samples in Indonesia, suggesting a return migration from New Guinea. These findings were compared with data from Y-chromosome and whole-genome studies, as well as archaeological and environmental evidence. Such comprehensive examination allows us to build more accurate models of the early history of the Sahul settlement.
Previously there was the concept of “short chronology,” which held that the original settlers were wiped out by subsequent migrations. A new study shows that modern Australian Aborigines and New Guineans descend from early settlers 60,000 years ago. These findings are consistent with archaeological data and climate models of the region, including the effect of the Ice Age on land and water availability.
Professor Richards emphasized that further analysis of hundreds of complete human genomes is planned, which will allow verification and improvement of results based on thousands of genetic lineages across the entire genome. Professor Farr added:
“It helps understand the maritime mobility and skills of early seafarers, while also reflecting the rich heritage of the region's indigenous communities.”
It is hoped that new archaeological discoveries and the extraction of ancient DNA from important remains will allow even more detailed reconstructions of migration routes and times.
These discoveries show that Homo sapiens acquired advanced seafaring and navigational skills much earlier than previously thought and could cross vast bodies of water to establish permanent settlements in new lands. The study strengthens understanding of the links between genetics, archeology and climate change throughout human history.
Experimental archeology reveals the secrets of Paleolithic seafarers
Where were the first people to reach Eurasia – new conclusions
Subscribe and read “Science” on Telegram
