Archaeologists and geologists from several countries have discovered evidence of a mysterious civilisation inhabiting Zealandia, a largely submerged continent in the Pacific Ocean. Until its recent discovery, the landmass was considered primarily of geological interest. The archaeologists’ findings, which include stone tools, fireplaces, pottery fragments and island structures, date from at least 9000 years ago, potentially situating them among the oldest artefacts and some of the first examples of human activity in the Pacific. Researchers also concluded that a catastrophic change around 6000 years ago transformed the landscape and may have been due to a combination of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and climate change.
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Lost Civilization Unearthed on Previously Unexplored Landmass
A team of archaeologists and geologists from several countries has announced the discovery of traces of a mysterious civilization that inhabited a large landmass in the Pacific Ocean, now mostly submerged under water. The findings, based on years of research and exploration, challenge the conventional theories about the history and geography of human settlements and raise new questions about the fate and legacy of the lost civilization.
The landmass, known as Zealandia or Te Riu-a-Māui in Māori, is a mostly submerged continent that extends from New Zealand to New Caledonia and beyond. It has long been considered a geological wonder but was largely ignored by archaeologists due to its remoteness and difficulty of access. However, recent advances in underwater technology and imaging, as well as renewed interest in indigenous knowledge and stories, led to new expeditions and collaborations among experts.
The team, led by Michael Fullerton of the University of Hawaii and including researchers from New Zealand, Australia, and France, used sonar, radar, coring, and sampling techniques to collect data from the seafloor and the sediment layers beneath it. They found evidence of human presence in the form of stone tools, fireplaces, pottery fragments, and even structures that resembled walls, terraces, and channels. Some of the artifacts were dated to at least 9000 years ago, which would make them among the oldest signs of human activity in the Pacific.
The researchers also analyzed the DNA and isotopes of the remains of plants, animals, and microbes that lived in the area, which allowed them to reconstruct the ecosystem and the climate of the landmass. They concluded that most of Zealandia was covered by forests and grasslands that supported a diversity of species, including giant moa birds, turtles, and dolphins. However, around 6000 years ago, the landmass experienced a sudden and catastrophic change, which led to the disappearance of many species and the transformation of the landscape.
The cause of the change is still unclear, but the team proposed several hypotheses, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, climate shifts, or a combination of these factors. They also noted that the timing of the change coincided with the rise of the Polynesian voyaging culture, which spread across the Pacific and established new settlements in previously uninhabited islands. The researchers suggested that the lost civilization of Zealandia might have been connected to the Polynesians, either as their ancestors or as a separate group that exchanged knowledge and resources with them.
The discovery of the lost civilization on Zealandia has generated both excitement and controversy among experts and the public. Some see it as a breakthrough in understanding the human history of the Pacific and the resilience of indigenous cultures in facing environmental challenges. Others criticize it as premature or speculative, citing the lack of direct evidence of humans or their structures and the difficulty of interpreting the geological and biological data in a coherent way.
However, the team emphasized that their findings are just the beginning of a long and complex process of investigation and interpretation, and that they welcome further collaboration and scrutiny from other disciplines and perspectives. They also acknowledged the ethical and cultural implications of their work, including the need to respect the wishes and interests of the indigenous peoples who have ancestral ties to Zealandia and to involve them in the research process.
FAQs about the Lost Civilization on Zealandia
Q: How did the researchers know where to look for the lost civilization on Zealandia?
A: The researchers used a combination of satellite imagery, bathymetry, and indigenous stories to identify the potential locations of human presence on Zealandia. They also consulted with local communities and experts who had knowledge of the area and its history.
Q: What kinds of artifacts did the researchers find?
A: The researchers found various types of artifacts that indicated human activity, such as stone adzes, obsidian flakes, coral knives, fish hooks, shell beads, charcoal, and pottery shards. They also found structures that resembled walls, terraces, and channels, but these were less conclusive and subject to interpretation.
Q: How old is the lost civilization on Zealandia?
A: The researchers estimated that some of the artifacts they found were at least 9000 years old, which would make them among the oldest signs of human activity in the Pacific. However, they cautioned that the dating methods and the time frames of human settlement and development are still uncertain and need further investigation.
Q: What caused the sudden and catastrophic change on Zealandia?
A: The researchers proposed several hypotheses, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, climate shifts, or a combination of these factors. They also noted that the timing of the change coincided with the rise of the Polynesian voyaging culture, which suggests that there might be a connection between the two phenomena.
Q: What is the significance of the discovery of the lost civilization on Zealandia?
A: The discovery challenges the conventional theories about the human history and geography of the Pacific and raises new questions about the fate and legacy of the lost civilization. It also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches in exploring the past and the present of the planet.
