Newly-found ancient wood structures could challenge the history of construction.

European researchers have uncovered what could be the earliest use of wood in construction, dating back to approximately 476,000 years ago at Kalambo Falls in Zambia. 

The discovery consists of two interlocked logs, intentionally notched, along with a collection of wooden tools. 

It suggests that early humans might have employed these logs to create raised platforms, walkways, or foundations in areas prone to periodic flooding.

This finding, reported in Nature, sheds new light on the ancient practice of woodworking in Africa, expanding the understanding of early hominins' ability to shape large structures from tree trunks. 

Wooden artefacts are exceedingly rare from the Early Stone Age, making it challenging to determine how our ancestors used this fundamental resource and shaped their environments during the Pleistocene era.

The discovery was made by Lawrence Barham and his team at the Kalambo River basin, where they found logs intricately notched to fit together, and tool marks on both, indicating intentional shaping. 

The findings could prompt a reevaluation of the role of trees in the history of technology. Archaeologist Dr Annemieke Milks says it is a hugely significant finding, stating that the logs reveal when humans began structurally altering the planet for their own benefit.