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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Ian Sample Science editor

‘Oldest wooden structure’ discovered on border of Zambia and Tanzania

The excavation team uncovering the wooden structure.
Prof Larry Barham uncovering the structure, which was preserved at the site by waterlogged sediments that are starved of oxygen. Photograph: Prof Larry Barham/University of Liverpool

Researchers have discovered remnants of what is thought to be the world’s oldest known wooden structure, an arrangement of logs on the bank of a river bordering Zambia and Tanzania that predates the rise of modern humans.

The simple structure, made by shaping two logs with sharp stone tools, may have formed part of a walkway or platform for human ancestors who lived along the Kalambo River nearly 500,000 years ago.

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