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00:00A mysterious cache of bones is unearthed at a Neolithic site in China.
00:07And as with many archaeological sites, dozens of human burials have been unearthed over the years.
00:13The bones of the lower limbs, specifically the left femur and both tibia, were found to have strange marks on them.
00:20So what happened to this child's bones?
00:23A peculiar skeleton is found deep within a system of caves.
00:28The skeleton appears to be complete and perfectly embedded in the surrounding stone.
00:34So who was this person? And how did their remains end up in this cave?
00:40A stunning discovery is made in an Italian grotto.
00:44In prehistoric Europe, copper daggers were considered prestigious high-status items often associated with elites or warriors.
00:53So why was this dagger left here?
00:58Buried.
01:00Hidden.
01:01Cursed.
01:02From mystical artifacts and doomed treasures, to mysterious structures and ancient rituals.
01:15Myths and legends that have long been shrouded in the shadows of history are finally brought into the light.
01:24These are Secrets in the Dark.
01:30In the Yellow River basin of Henan Province in central China is the extraordinary archaeological site of Jiahu.
01:50Jiahu was discovered in the early 1960s, but extensive excavations didn't take place until many years later.
02:00And even though only about 5% of the site's impressive 13 and a half acre area has been fully explored,
02:06it has yielded some fascinating discoveries that have provided valuable insights into life in Neolithic China.
02:11So far, they've found 45 house foundations, more than 350 underground storage rooms, and nine pottery kilns, along with more than 6,000 artifacts.
02:26These things are made out of pottery and bone and shell.
02:33The site also includes this huge collection of plant and animal remains that have been dated back to somewhere between 7,000 and 9,000 years ago.
02:41Evidence of rice cultivation going back 9,000 years was found.
02:48And tests on pottery jars revealed traces of a fermented drink made from a mixture of rice, honey, and either grapes or hawthorn fruit, thought to be the oldest alcoholic concoction ever discovered.
03:04And as with many archaeological sites, dozens of human burials have been unearthed over the years.
03:11A team of researchers is performing a lab analysis on the skeletal remains of a child aged 8 to 10 excavated from Jiahu when they make a surprising discovery.
03:26The skull and several other skeletal parts weren't present in the grave.
03:33The bones of the lower limbs, specifically the left femur and both tibia, were found to have strange marks on them, as though they had been damaged somehow.
03:42So what happened to this child's bones?
03:45One possibility is that an animal of some kind got to them either before the child was buried or maybe even after it was buried.
03:55It's not uncommon to find evidence of animal interference on ancient bones.
04:02In 2016, a team of researchers examined the shaft of a femur from the skeleton of Homo heidelbergensis discovered in a Moroccan cave near Casablanca and found evidence of animal consumption.
04:18The bone fragments showed various fractures and tooth marks, suggesting chewing, including pits and other scores and notches.
04:27It's believed that the damage was possibly caused shortly after death by a large carnivore.
04:33Interestingly, it's been found that bone damage isn't limited to the work of carnivores.
04:41Herbivores also engage in the behavior.
04:44But there's a difference.
04:45Carnivores tend to chew on fresh bones with lots of marrow and meat attached to them.
04:51Whereas herbivores prefer old, dry remains in favor of flat bones, such as tibias, which is where some of the marks were found on the child's skeleton at Chiahu.
05:08So it is possible that the damage was caused by an animal of some kind.
05:15Further examination of the remains yields some stunning results.
05:20There are six marks on the lower extremities.
05:24All are smooth and steep on one side, while the other side is rough.
05:31And they're parallel with a V-shaped cross section.
05:35All this adds up to one thing.
05:37These marks were not made by animals.
05:40They were made by humans using some kind of stone tool.
05:45The question is, why did they cut this child's bones?
05:49It could be evidence of cannibalism, as shocking as that may sound.
05:55Some ancient cultures were known to practice it.
05:58A group of researchers found evidence that the first humans to recolonize Britain after the last ice age engaged in cannibalism over 14,000 years ago at a site called Gough's Cave in what is now Somerset, England.
06:17They discovered bones that showed evidence of cutting with a tool and human teeth marks.
06:26Some believe that that cannibalism was a survival strategy.
06:32So is it possible that the people of Jiahu also practiced cannibalism?
06:39Maybe.
06:41But evidence points to Jiahu being an early center of agricultural origins, as evidenced by the discovery of the ancient rice.
06:49There was also an abundance of fruit trees in the area.
06:54So it seems unlikely that they would have had to resort to cannibalism to survive, unless there was some kind of catastrophic weather event.
07:04But there's no evidence to suggest something like that occurred.
07:07Searching for answers, the team consults the catalogue of discoveries from the excavation that unearthed the child's skeleton and finds something that may provide a clue.
07:21Found with the remains of the child was a bone flute, likely a grave good.
07:28These instruments were carved from the wing bone of the Red Crown Crane, had between five and eight holes, and were capable of producing various sounds.
07:39Fragments of approximately 30 other flutes were also discovered at Jiahu.
07:43And some of them are the oldest examples of playable musical instruments ever found.
07:52Chinese legends from nearly 6,000 years after the flutes were constructed speak of a connection between flute playing and cranes.
08:01They were used by hunters because the sound of the flute could bring birds closer to the hunters.
08:09But there was also a mystical angle.
08:12The myths also spoke to the celestial importance of music.
08:16And it's believed that flutes may have been used at Jiahu for rituals and special ceremonies.
08:22Near where the child's skeleton was found, there was a pit containing numerous turtle shells with pebbles inside.
08:29These were rattles, used as percussive instruments, believed to be connected to spiritual concepts of sound and used in shamanic rituals.
08:37So, given the presence of these rattles, and the fact that a flute was found with the child's body, it looks as though there could be a ritualistic aspect that may explain the cutting of the bones.
08:50But, if that's the case, what was the purpose of it?
08:54A deeper analysis of the child's bones reveals that they may have been suffering from an illness around the time of death.
09:05It's possible they had scurvy, a disease that results from vitamin C deficiency.
09:10The human body doesn't make or store vitamin C.
09:13It relies on food sources like fresh fruits and vegetables to get it.
09:16But there was an abundance of fruit available at Jiahu.
09:24Wild grapes and sour jujubes grew wild in the area.
09:28So how could anyone get scurvy?
09:33Plus, of all the remains discovered in the various burial sites, no others showed evidence of the disease.
09:38Maybe the child was deliberately put on a constrained diet because of some other illness, and that constrained diet caused the child to develop scurvy.
09:50One of the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency can be bone bruising in the legs.
09:55So, could that explain why there are cuts on the leg bones?
10:01Is it possible that after the child died, they wanted to relieve the pain of the legs for the afterlife?
10:10One thing is certain.
10:12This child received a different burial treatment than that of other children of the same age discovered at the Jiahu site, perhaps because of their illness.
10:20The cutting of the bones was likely ritualistic in nature, but what the nature of that ritual was and its exact purpose remains a mystery.
10:35Although we may never know the motivation behind the skeletal interference, this child's remains exposed a wider set of funerary practices than previously discovered in Neolithic China.
10:46The ancient site of Jiahu continues to amaze and teaches valuable lessons about human history.
10:53Trieste, the capital of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in northeastern Italy, is a cultural crossroads.
10:56Shaped by Italian, Slavic, and Central European influences.
10:58Trieste, the capital of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in northeastern Italy, is a cultural crossroads.
11:03Shaped by Italian, Slavic, and Central European influences.
11:05Trieste, the capital of the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region in northeastern Italy, is a cultural
11:20crossroads. Shaped by Italian, Slavic, and Central European influences, giving it a unique
11:27identity that sets it apart from the rest of Italy. Nestled between the Adriatic Sea
11:33and the limestone cliffs of the Karst Plateau, Trieste's strategic location made it a crucial
11:38port city between Western Europe and the Balkans. For centuries, it was part of the Habsburg
11:45Empire, serving as Austria's main seaport until the end of World War I, when it was annexed
11:50by Italy. The rich and complex history of the area is reflected in the city's architecture,
11:59cuisine, and language, which blends Venetian, Austrian, and Slavic influences. While Italian
12:07is the official language, many locals also speak the Triestine dialect, a unique mix of Venetian
12:15and Slovenian. Trieste is deeply connected to the rugged Trieste Karst, a landscape shaped
12:23over millennia by water erosion. This vast limestone plateau is defined by dramatic rocky terrain,
12:34deep sinkholes in some of Europe's most intricate cave systems. Some of these caves were inhabited
12:42at various times over thousands of years, and have long fascinated archaeologists and historians,
12:49offering a unique glimpse into prehistoric life.
12:56An Italian-Slovenian team is excavating one of these caves, called Tina Jamma, when they are stunned
13:03by an unexpected discovery. As they carefully remove the final layers of soil, a flash of metal catches
13:11their eye. Scrambling to uncover it, they find a metal dagger. It's four inches long. It has this leaf-shaped blade,
13:23and at the other end, it has a tang. That's the name of the extension of metal that extends into the handle.
13:28The tang is a crucial element of the dagger's design.
13:32Alongside the knife, other artifacts were uncovered, including flint arrowheads, shell ornaments, stone tools,
13:40and ceramics, as well as an ancient hearth, which is the floor of a fireplace.
13:48The presence of ceramic materials and a hearth suggests the cave was frequently visited, or even inhabited,
13:54for a time.
14:00Analysis of the dagger's metal content revealed that it was made of copper,
14:05a material widely used during the late copper age, around 4,000 years ago,
14:10before the discovery of tin-alloing techniques that led to bronze production.
14:15In prehistoric Europe, copper daggers were considered prestigious, high-status items,
14:23often associated with elites or warriors.
14:26The discovery of one in a cave is unusual, as they are usually found at places of worship.
14:33So why was this dagger left here?
14:38Comparing their findings at Tina-Jammer Cave,
14:41the archaeologists are reminded of another site with similar discoveries in Slovenia,
14:46known as the Ljubljana Marches.
14:50Six millennia ago, this area was a lake surrounded by more than 40 stilt houses.
14:57These homes rested on wooden piles driven into the marshy ground,
15:03lifting their inhabitants above the flooding in the wildlife.
15:06These were among the region's first permanent settlers.
15:09They engaged in agriculture, cattle breeding, and hunting.
15:15The settlement has yielded over 10,000 archaeological artifacts from different historical periods,
15:22including the well-preserved remains of huts, food, clothing, tools,
15:27and a rare 50-foot-long boat from the Roman era.
15:30One of the most remarkable discoveries was the oldest wooden wheel with an axle ever found,
15:37crafted by a skilled artisan around 5,200 years ago.
15:44There's also evidence of early copper use and production.
15:47Artifacts such as daggers, swords, axes, chisels, and other tools were crafted from copper with various impurities,
15:55suggesting an understanding of metalworking techniques.
16:00Could the dagger found in Tina-Jammer Cave be from this region?
16:03The similar copper objects, shared time period, and close geographical proximity suggest that the Ljubljana Marshes and Tina-Jammer Cave belong to the same cultural sphere.
16:17This connection highlights the early exchange of technology, resources, and traditions among prehistoric communities in northeastern Italy and Slovenia,
16:27but still doesn't answer the question of why the dagger was found in the cave.
16:33As the archaeologists at Tina-Jammer Cave continue to excavate the area,
16:41they find something that leaves them with more questions than answers.
16:46They find bone fragments of someone or something.
16:50Could they be from an animal that the inhabitants might have butchered and eaten in this cave,
16:55and maybe even cooked over the hearth?
16:57Recent analysis of 10 copper alloy daggers from Fragato, Italy, supports this theory.
17:06The analysis marked the first successful extraction of organic residues to try to understand whether these daggers were used for hunting or as weapons.
17:16Scientists used a special dye called Picosirius red to stain certain organic macromolecules
17:22to try to figure out if the traces came from humans or animals.
17:27It was revealed that traces of type 1 and type 2 collagen, along with bone, muscle, and tendon fibers, from various animals were present.
17:38This indicates that the daggers were repeatedly used for tasks such as butchering livestock and cutting meat from the bone.
17:48Maybe the same is true for the daggers found in Tina-Jammer Cave.
17:51Pursuing confirmation, the team turns its attention to the bone fragments uncovered in the cave,
18:01and the results are surprising.
18:04The bones are actually human.
18:07The remains include fragments of a skull and a jawbone complete with teeth,
18:12believed to date back to the Iron Age around 3,000 years ago.
18:16So, is it possible that the cave is a burial site?
18:25The burial of human remains with weapons has been a common practice throughout history.
18:30In ancient Israel, this tradition was particularly evident during the Intermediate Bronze Age,
18:35when individuals of high status were often buried with copper daggers and other grave goods.
18:40During this period, shaft tombs became a prominent burial tradition.
18:47These deep, vertical graves often contained funerary offerings,
18:51such as ceramics, jewelry, and weapons,
18:54with copper daggers being among the most significant items.
18:59Unlike ordinary grave goods, these daggers held deep, symbolic, and social meaning,
19:05reflecting the status, identity, and possibly the profession of the deceased.
19:09Individuals buried with copper daggers likely received preferential treatment,
19:16indicating their high status or influence within their communities.
19:21These burials were typically reserved for elite warriors, tribal leaders,
19:26or individuals involved in metal production and trade,
19:29reinforcing the connection among weapons, power, and resource control.
19:34But Israel is a long way from Italy,
19:37so maybe this ritual wasn't practiced in Europe at that time.
19:44In 2002, approximately three miles southeast of Stonehenge,
19:49in Amesbury, Wiltshire, England,
19:51archaeologists unearthed a grave dating to around 2300 BCE.
19:56The remains became known as the Amesbury archer.
20:03The grave contained around 100 artifacts, including several copper knives,
20:08two sandstone wrist guards, which were used to protect his wrist from the bowstring,
20:12and over a dozen flint arrowheads.
20:15These findings suggest the archer held a higher status position,
20:19possibly as a metalworker or an archer, hence his name.
20:24These grave goods reveal extensive long-distance trade and cultural exchange
20:29during the early Bronze Age.
20:31The copper knives, among the earliest metal tools found in Britain,
20:35likely came from a region where metalworking was more advanced.
20:38So given the presence of these knives in a European grave,
20:44it's certainly possible that the Tina-Jama cave was used as a burial site.
20:50One last discovery at the cave all but confirms the team's suspicions
20:55that the site was used for funerary purposes.
20:59They found this large stone structure made of slabs and blocks near the entrance.
21:05This thing is believed to date between 2000 and 1500 BCE.
21:09It's not clear exactly what it was for, but it looks an awful lot like a door.
21:17So is it possible that these stone doors mean the cave was a sacred burial site?
21:27As researchers continue to excavate and study the Tina-Jama cave,
21:31new discoveries may shed light on its significance and connections
21:36to other prehistoric locations, revealing more about cultural exchanges
21:40and burial customs in ancient Europe.
21:43nested in the rolling hills of the Puglia region in southern Italy,
21:47Altamura is a town
21:50Nested in the rolling hills of the Puglia region in southern Italy, Altamura is a town steeped in history with well-preserved medieval architecture,
22:17historic stone walls and the magnificent Altamura Cathedral.
22:22Altamura has roots that trace back to the Neolithic period, reflecting the region's early human settlement and agricultural development.
22:32Over millennia, it became a crossroads for ancient cultures, from the Pusetians, who were one of the area's earliest tribes,
22:42to the Romans, who integrated the land into their expanding empire.
22:47The surrounding landscape of Altamura is a testament to its deep historical significance, featuring prehistoric dinosaur footprints,
22:58ancient megalithic structures, and burial sites that highlight its enduring role in the story of human civilization.
23:09The rocky region that encompasses the town is renowned for its network of limestone caves, dramatic sinkholes and prehistoric sites,
23:17making it a paradise for archaeologists and cave explorers.
23:21A 33-foot-deep sinkhole found in the Lamalunga cave garners the attention of the Altamura Center of Cave Research,
23:33which sends a team of speleologists to investigate.
23:36As they map the cave's intricate passages, they are shocked by what they find.
23:48Within a 200-foot tunnel, covered with intricate mineral formations, they discover what appears to be a human skull embedded in the cave floor.
23:58As they get a closer look, they realize it's actually a full skeleton, partially encased in calcite.
24:06Calcite is the most abundant form of natural calcium carbonate.
24:12It's a widely distributed mineral known for its diverse and striking crystal formations.
24:19It occurs in various geological environments and serves as a primary component of limestone, marble, and other sedimentary rocks.
24:28The skeleton appears to be complete and perfectly embedded in the surrounding stone.
24:34But the remains can't immediately be removed without damaging them, preventing a thorough examination.
24:43So who was this person?
24:45And how did their remains end up in this cave?
24:48The mystery of how this skeleton got so far into this massive cave system puzzles the researchers,
24:57who think it might hint at one of the oldest rituals in human history.
25:03Sacrificial practices have played a significant role throughout history,
25:07deeply rooted in religious and cultural traditions.
25:11These rituals, ranging from animal offerings in ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome,
25:16to human sacrifices among the Aztecs and Mayans were often performed to appease deities,
25:25secure divine favor, or ensure prosperity.
25:32Human sacrifices were often conducted at ceremonial sites, like at the top of towering pyramids.
25:40However, caves were also used for some sacrifices,
25:43as they were considered gateways to the underworld.
25:49In these situations, the victims were ritually killed by heart extraction,
25:53decapitation, or other symbolic methods.
26:01One famous skeleton that was a victim of human sacrifice has some startling similarities
26:06to the one found in the caves near Altamura.
26:09Achtun Tunichilmuknal, also known as the ATM cave, is a sacred Mayan site in Belize.
26:18It served as a ceremonial site for the ancient Mayans.
26:23And inside, archaeologists have discovered a wealth of artifacts,
26:28including pottery, tools, and sacrificial remains.
26:34With over 1,400 artifacts uncovered, all dating from 250 to 909 CE,
26:40the archaeological discoveries in the ATM cave are unmatched
26:43due to the sheer volume of objects found.
26:45Many of these objects have what are known as kill holes,
26:52which are holes made in ceramic vessels during Mayan rituals
26:55to symbolically kill them and release their spiritual energy.
27:02The sacrificed remains of 14 individuals also add to the significance of the site.
27:06The most famous of them are those of a young female,
27:12roughly 20 years of age, known as the Crystal Maiden,
27:17whose calcified skeleton sparkles from natural mineral deposits,
27:22evoking a sense of the supernatural.
27:25The Crystal Maiden was discovered in the main chamber,
27:29believed to be the center of this makeshift temple.
27:32The way her bones glisten mysteriously due to the mix of minerals
27:35feels very similar to the bones found at Altamura.
27:42Could the body found there also be a victim of ritual sacrifice?
27:48The researchers bring in a team of archaeologists
27:51to better understand the Altamura remains.
27:54They determined that the skeleton was likely that of an individual
27:58who fell into a sinkhole, becoming trapped,
28:01and died from starvation or dehydration.
28:05suggesting this was not a ritual sacrifice,
28:08but rather an accident.
28:10The calcite minerals surrounding the skeleton were tested,
28:14and it was established that the individual died between 128,000 and 187,000 years ago.
28:21Though the timeline doesn't match up perfectly,
28:24he shares several distinct qualities with the species Homo heidelbergensis.
28:28Perhaps this is the youngest example ever found.
28:33Homo heidelbergensis was a species of ancient human beings
28:38that served as a key evolutionary link between Homo erectus
28:42and later species such as Neanderthals and modern human beings.
28:46Known for their large brains, robust bodies, and advanced tool use,
28:52they were skilled hunters and among the first to control fire and build shelters.
28:56The skull, thick bones, pronounced brow ridge, and large size of the brain all point to this being a male Homo heidelbergensis.
29:07However, the heavy calcite covering the skeleton presents challenges,
29:12as the examination has to rely on visible features instead of a full study of the remains.
29:15So, is the skeleton part of the Homo heidelbergensis species?
29:23There have been significant Homo heidelbergensis finds across Europe over the years,
29:29with one of the first being in a nearby country.
29:32The fossil is approximately 500,000 years old,
29:36and is significant because it displays a mix of primitive features,
29:40such as a lack of chin,
29:41and more advanced traits like smaller teeth,
29:45licking it to both earlier species, like Homo erectus,
29:49and later species, like Neanderthals.
29:53This is an extremely important find,
29:56as it's considered a classic and definitive example of Homo heidelbergensis in Europe,
30:01marking an important stage in the evolution of archaic humans.
30:05It also provides critical evidence for the spread and adaptation of early human populations.
30:11across the continent during the middle Pleistocene.
30:18Using uranium thorium dating on the calcium minerals surrounding the skeleton,
30:23they now have a smaller timeframe,
30:25estimating that the Altamura man was between 130,000 and 172,000 years old,
30:32meaning he might belong to a different ancient group of individuals.
30:37The skeleton may belong to an early Neanderthal during a transitional period,
30:43as Neanderthals were closely related to modern human beings.
30:47They thrived in Europe and parts of Asia from approximately 400,000 to 40,000 years ago.
30:54So the timeframe certainly fits with the Altamura man.
30:57In 1939, a well-preserved Neanderthal skull was unearthed in a cave near Monte Circeo in Italy's Lazio region.
31:08The site became known as Grotta Guattari and the subsequent discovery of nine additional Neanderthals,
31:14along with stone tools and animal bones dating between 50,000 and 100,000 years old,
31:21cemented the site's importance for understanding Neanderthal populations in Italy.
31:27The Grotta Guattari and Altamura sites both date to approximately the Middle Paleolithic period,
31:34when Neanderthals dominated Europe.
31:35Given this and the fact that both are also located in cave environments,
31:42which were significant for Neanderthals as places of shelter, hunting and possibly ritual activities,
31:48I think it's safe to conclude that the Altamura man is most likely a Neanderthal.
31:51The Altamura man stands as a monumental achievement in the study of human evolution,
32:02offering one of the most complete and well-preserved Neanderthal skeletons ever found.
32:07This fossil provides a rare glimpse into Neanderthal anatomy,
32:11showcasing both classic and archaic traits that deepen our understanding of their evolutionary journey.
32:17Shaped by glacial activity during past ice ages,
32:44the Victorian Alps are a vast mountain system in the southeastern Australian state of Victoria,
32:51also known as the High Country.
32:54They are home to Victoria's highest peak, Mount Bogong.
32:59The rocks in the Victorian Alps were formed in an ancient ocean between 530 and 400 million years ago.
33:07Despite their age, the Alps are still undergoing immense geological uplift,
33:11meaning the mountain range is still rising.
33:17The mountains have been home to indigenous Australian groups for thousands of years,
33:21with the Gunai Kurnai, Tanurang and Duduroa peoples being the primary caretakers of the region.
33:28These groups have deep spiritual and cultural connections to the mountains.
33:32The Gunai Kurnai people in particular remain deeply connected to their land,
33:41actively working to revive language, protect sacred sites, and preserve their rich heritage.
33:47Due to this ongoing work, they have brought in archaeologists to investigate the area,
33:53hoping to give them a better understanding of their ancestors' rituals and everyday life.
33:57One site holds special interest, Clog's Cave, where previous excavations revealed what were then the oldest known traces of human activity in the area,
34:09going as far back as 25,000 years.
34:14Discoveries such as stone tools, animal remains, and evidence of fire use suggested the site was used for hunting and food preparation.
34:22A team of archaeologists is investigating Clog's Cave,
34:29and while carefully clearing the edges of a partially collapsed pit,
34:33they uncover a cross-section of Earth that leads to a remarkable discovery.
34:38Within the cave's cool, stable environment, they spot the edge of a wooden stick.
34:44The stick is stuck in the rock sediment, so it has to be carefully exposed.
34:49Nearby, they discover a second stick, just a few inches above the first,
34:56preserved in a slightly younger layer of sediment.
35:03Both sticks lay across small fireplaces that are roughly three-inch enclosures of stones,
35:09filled with ashes of grass and twigs that appear to have burned for only a short amount of time.
35:15The unique characteristics of these fireplaces suggest they were not used for cooking or warmth,
35:21but instead played a role in ritualistic or ceremonial practices.
35:26The sticks show signs of small branch segments that were deliberately trimmed.
35:31They're made from two species of casuarina, which are flowering pine trees native to the area.
35:41So what are these things, and what were they used for?
35:45The first indigenous Australians arrived at least 65,000 years ago,
35:50making them one of the earliest human populations to migrate out of Africa.
35:57At the time, lower sea levels during the Ice Age connected Australia, New Guinea and Tasmania
36:05into a supercontinent known as Sahul.
36:08While some of the crossings were made on foot, others required basic watercraft,
36:15with some journeys spanning over 120 miles.
36:19Their journey to Australia is considered one of the first maritime migrations in human history.
36:24As if the voyage to Australia wasn't challenging enough,
36:30the indigenous people had to adapt to a harsh and unfamiliar environment,
36:35given Australia had vast deserts, unique wildlife, and unpredictable weather.
36:42Arriving during an Ice Age, the first indigenous Australians faced a much colder and drier continent than today.
36:49As the Ice Age ended, rising sea levels reshaped the coastline, forcing communities to relocate,
37:00which is a challenging process in any period of human history.
37:08Conflicts between indigenous groups were inevitable,
37:11often arising from land disputes or competition for resources.
37:14For fighting other tribes or hunting game,
37:18the ancient indigenous people of Australia would need a hard and efficient weapon.
37:29A lingle is a traditional weapon made from hardwood,
37:33featuring a hooked, striking head positioned at nearly a right angle to the shaft.
37:37The name lingle comes from the Jajawurong language of the Kulin nations.
37:45The lingle was used for hunting, one-on-one combat,
37:49and was considered one of the most dangerous weapons of its time,
37:52as its hooked point could be quickly turned when striking.
37:55Both the point and the rounded head were used in battle,
37:59allowing warriors to strike around an opponent's shield.
38:02The indigenous men crafted their lingle with the perfect balance, weight, and length to match their height.
38:10Made from dense hardwoods, possibly casuarina, like the sticks found in Clog's Cave,
38:16they were shaped using stone tools.
38:20Some were decorated with engraved patterns or paint,
38:23highlighting their cultural significance beyond just being a weapon.
38:27Could the wooden sticks from Clog's Cave be ancient lingles?
38:33Samples of wood from both sticks are sent for carbon dating,
38:39and the results are surprising.
38:41The first stick dates back 12,000 years, to near the end of the last ice age,
38:48while the second is over 10,000 years old.
38:51Despite being made thousands of years apart,
38:55both were shaped under remarkably similar conditions.
38:58They're unlikely lingles, though, because no known examples of such weapons exist from that time.
39:04The earliest documented use of a lingle comes from the 1860s and was recorded by Europeans.
39:12Looking at similar discoveries from that time,
39:15the researchers are reminded of another weapon
39:17that is probably one of the most popular images of Australian culture.
39:21This weapon, which is cut from the large limbs of bent wood, is designed in such a way that when properly thrown,
39:30it will return to the thrower if it misses its mark.
39:33In the 1970s, several boomerangs were found in the wiry swamp near Millicent.
39:40They are believed to be roughly 10,000 years old, making them the oldest boomerangs ever discovered in Australia.
39:47The waterlogged conditions helped preserve the artifacts,
39:51which also included wooden spears, clubs, and digging sticks.
39:54The discovery highlighted the advanced woodworking skills of Indigenous Australians
40:00and demonstrated their ability to craft versatile wooden tools and weapons,
40:05long before similar innovations emerged elsewhere in the world.
40:08The boomerangs were likely thrown at high speeds to injure or knock down prey,
40:14such as kangaroos and emus.
40:17However, unlike modern returning boomerangs,
40:20these were likely used for hunting, digging, and even ceremonial purposes.
40:25Could the wooden sticks from Clog's Cave be another example of an ancient wooden boomerang?
40:34As the researchers continue to study the wooden sticks,
40:38a sample reveals that they are covered in something strange.
40:41Chemical analysis showed that the sticks had been smeared with animal or human fat
40:48and lightly burned at the tips, not something done in the practice of making boomerangs.
40:53So why are these sticks covered in animal fat?
40:55In the 1800s, government geologist and pioneer ethnographer Alfred Howitt observed many rituals performed in Clog's Cave
41:06by powerful Gunai-Kunai spiritual leaders.
41:08While he referred to them as sorcerers, wizards, or medicine men and women, the Gunai-Kunai people knew them as Mulamulang.
41:18One ritual Howitt observed involved a mulamulang using fire and a fat-smeared stick in a ceremony intended to harm adversaries or heal the sick.
41:31These ancient ritual sticks, known as murawan, were carefully shaped and prepared before being used in ceremonies like this,
41:38and are remarkably similar to the mystery sticks discovered in Clog's Cave.
41:42According to Howitt, the ritual began by attaching an item to the end of a murawan belonging to either the target of harm or the person in need.
41:53The stick was then planted at an angle in the ground and a fire lit beneath it.
41:59As the flames burned, the mulamulang chanted the person's name.
42:04And when the stick finally fell, the ritual was complete.
42:07So given the similar appearance, the presence of fat and evidence of burning, we can safely conclude that the sticks found in Clog's Cave are murawan.
42:22This is a remarkable discovery because it shows an unmistakable connection between Gunai-Kunai practices observed in the 1800s,
42:29and the rituals performed by their ancient ancestors from 12,000 years earlier.
42:39Despite centuries of change and progress, the Gunai-Kunai people have preserved and passed down their traditions since the last Ice Age,
42:48demonstrating the remarkable endurance of their cultural practices and oral history across countless generations.
42:55Finally, bize to stop of our firstSpeurs, general dev.
42:58And with the Rasjets, director of the Pirates of America,
43:02You
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