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Archaeologists discover a 140,000-year-old sunken world beneath the ocean floor

Published

10 months ago

2025/06/1

Underwater Sunken Artificial Reef | The Daily Galaxy —Great Discoveries Channel

Deep beneath the sea, off the coast of Indonesia, a discovery is challenging long-held beliefs about early human life in Southeast Asia, said a report by the Daily Galaxy.

In a stretch of ocean between the islands of Java and Madura, scientists have uncovered the remnants of what they describe as the first underwater hominin fossil site ever found in the region. What they believe they’ve found is more than a collection of fossils—it may be the first physical evidence of the prehistoric continent known as Sundaland, a landmass that once connected much of Southeast Asia during the Pleistocene epoch.

The discovery centers around two skull fragments identified as belonging to Homo erectus, an early ancestor of modern humans. According to ScienceDirect, The bones, buried for more than 140,000 years beneath layers of silt and sand, were recovered from the Madura Strait during marine sand mining operations in 2011. But it wasn’t until recently that researchers, led by archaeologist Harold Berghuis from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, confirmed the age and species of the remains.

A Chance Find Yields Thousands of Fossils

The breakthrough came as workers near Surabaya, the provincial capital of East Java, were dredging sediment from the seabed. During reclamation activities, they discovered fossilized remains that included over 6,000 specimens of vertebrates. The site, preserved by the dense accumulation of sand and marine deposits, revealed a surprising array of species: Komodo dragons, buffalo, deer, and a now-extinct genus of elephant-like herbivore known as Stegodon, which once stood more than 13 feet tall.

Among the remains were two human skull fragments—one frontal, one parietal. Their morphology closely resembled Homo erectus fossils previously found at the Sambungmacan site in Java. The fossils were dated using Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL), a method that determines when sediment was last exposed to sunlight. Researchers concluded the valley and its contents date to between 162,000 and 119,000 years ago.

In addition to the skeletal remains, geological analysis revealed the buried outline of a river system once part of the ancient Solo River, which likely flowed eastward across what is now the Sunda Shelf. According to sedimentary records, this river supported a vibrant fluvial ecosystem during the late Middle Pleistocene. The valley where the fossils were found had once been home to a diverse mix of herbivores and predators, including species of deer whose bones and teeth were found scattered throughout the area.

These details provide rare insight into a region that was eventually submerged by rising sea levels between 14,000 and 7,000 years ago. Scientists estimate that melting glaciers from the last Ice Age raised ocean levels by over 120 meters, drowning the low-lying plains of Sundaland and severing the connections between the Southeast Asian mainland and its islands.

Further analysis of the animal bones revealed distinct cut marks—evidence, researchers say, of deliberate butchery. These markings suggest that early hominins in the region employed tools to hunt and process large animals. “This period is characterized by great morphological diversity and mobility of hominin populations in the region,” Berghuis said. The findings indicate that the ancient population adapted to their environment using relatively advanced techniques for the time.

Fossils of antelope-like species, which generally prefer open grasslands, support the idea that this submerged landscape resembled a savanna more than a dense jungle. The presence of large herbivores and deer further suggests that the area provided ample food sources for both animals and early humans.

The skull fragments recovered from the Madura Strait extend the known range of Homo erectus in Southeast Asia. These early humans are known for their taller, more upright stature, longer legs, and shorter arms—features that brought them closer to modern human proportions. Their presence in Sundaland offers new perspectives on early human migration and adaptation across the region’s shifting landscapes.

What began as an accidental discovery by sand miners has become a pivotal moment in the study of early human history in Asia. By combining archaeological, geological, and paleoenvironmental methods, researchers are uncovering a lost chapter of human evolution—one that has remained hidden beneath the sea for millennia.

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The book “Intimidated?” presents a significant and timely contribution to understanding challenges, resilience, and innovation in the modern world, offering valuable insights for education, research, and social transformation – PM

Published

1 hour ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the book launch of “Intimidated?” authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, Head of Department at the National University of Singapore, held on Saturday 28 March 2026 at the Lotus Hall of BMICH.

Authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, the book “Intimidated?” reflects on contemporary global and personal challenges, innovation, and the importance of resilience, offering readers a thoughtful and inspiring perspective grounded in academic experience and global exposure. The publication, along with its English translation, was ceremonially presented to the Prime Minister during the event.

Congratulating the author on this important publication, the Prime Minister stated that such scholarly work plays a vital role in inspiring future generations, particularly students and young researchers, to think critically, embrace challenges, and contribute meaningfully to society. She further emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and innovation in shaping a progressive and inclusive educational environment in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister also ceremonially launched the programme to distribute 5,000 copies of the book free of charge to students and educational institutions, highlighting the importance of making knowledge accessible to a wider audience.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, family members of Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, university Vice Chancellors, professors and lecturers, senior officials of the Ministry of Education, school principals, students, and invited guests.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

It is the government’s objective to create an education system that provides every child with access to modern technological opportunities — Prime Minister

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that it is the government’s objective to establish an education system that ensures every child has access to modern technological opportunities.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the National Competition of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO), that aims to elevate the technological skills of Sri Lanka’s younger generation to international standards, held on Saturday (28) at Burhani Serendib College in Colombo.

A total of 66 teams from schools across the island participated in this year’s competition, marking a threefold increase compared to last year. The event was held under the theme “Robots Meet Culture,” and over 500 students, presented creations blending local culture with modern engineering concepts.

Expressing her views, the Prime Minister stated:

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, giving priority to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) should be a national priority.

Platforms such as the World Robot Olympiad provide opportunities for our younger generation to develop essential skills such as logical thinking, innovation, and teamwork”,

Sri Lanka participated in the International Robot Olympiad held in Singapore in 2025, with two teams representing the country, which marked a highly significant and enriching experience for our children.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that the government remains committed to building an education system that enables every child to benefit from such technological opportunities.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, officials from the Indian High Commission, government officials, and school students.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Latest News

Heat Index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 29 March 2026, valid for 30 March 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.