A remarkable discovery in a flooded cave on the Spanish island of Mallorca has rewritten our understanding of human presence on the island. Researchers have determined that a submerged limestone bridge, constructed by humans, is significantly older than initially believed, pushing back the timeline of human habitation by 1,600 years.
The bridge, which is 25 feet long and consists of large limestone blocks stacked on top of each other, was first discovered in 2000 during a scuba diving expedition. Initial analysis, based on pottery fragments found in the cave, suggested a construction date around 4,400 years ago. However, a new study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment has revealed a much older origin for this remarkable structure.
Researchers focused their attention on a distinct light-colored band along the bridge’s upper portion, resembling a “bathtub ring.” This coloration shift indicates changes in sea level and the formation of calcite encrustations, which developed on the bridge when the water rose. By analyzing these mineral deposits, also known as speleothems, the researchers determined that the bridge was constructed approximately 6,000 years ago.
This discovery has significant implications for understanding human settlement patterns in the Mediterranean. Mallorca, while a large island, was one of the last in the region to be inhabited, unlike Cyprus and Crete, which were occupied at least 9,000 years ago. The bridge’s construction date suggests that people were utilizing the cave much earlier than previously thought, bridging the gap between eastern and western Mediterranean settlements.
The researchers acknowledge the need for further investigation to determine why Mallorca was settled later than other islands. One possibility is the lack of essential resources for survival, such as arable land, on the island. This discovery underscores the ongoing work of archaeologists in unearthing the complex history of human settlement, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge about the past.
