In a groundbreaking discovery off the coast of Cape Town, marine archaeologist Bruno Werz unearthed an ancient hand axe from the depths of False Bay in 1995. This Acheulean artifact, estimated to be between 300,000 and one million years old, is the oldest known underwater find of its kind, sparking immense interest and a series of intriguing questions about human prehistory. The discovery has led to a collaborative international effort to explore and understand the submerged landscapes where early humans once roamed.
In the mid-90s, Bruno Werz, a prominent figure in South African marine archaeology, stumbled upon a remarkable find during a routine survey of a shipwreck in False Bay, near Cape Town. The hand axe he discovered was not just any relic; it was an Acheulean tool, a hallmark of early human craftsmanship. This discovery was not only significant for its age but also for its location beneath the sea, suggesting a once-dry land now submerged and ripe for exploration.
Subsequent expeditions to the site yielded another hand axe and fragments of animal bone, hinting at a rich archaeological context. Recognizing the site's global importance, Werz, through the South African Institute of Maritime Archaeology (SAIMA), sought the expertise of the UK-based Scientific Exploration Society (SES) to conduct a thorough investigation.
From November 3 to 28, 2004, an SES team led by the renowned explorer Monty Halls embarked on a mission to explore and excavate potential prehistoric sites along the South African coast, from Table Bay to Cape Agulhas. The team's objective was to reconstruct the ancient landscape, visualizing the seabed as it would have appeared millions of years ago when now-submerged reefs were dry canyons and potential hubs of human activity.
The primary excavation site, located in a mere 6 meters (20 feet) of water just beyond the surf zone, presented a challenging environment for the divers. Not only were the conditions demanding, but the area is also known for the presence of Great White sharks, adding an element of danger to the already arduous task.
The expedition's goal was to scan sections of the seabed and pinpoint locations where prehistoric humans might have established camps. These areas would then be meticulously surveyed to uncover further evidence of early human life.
The name "Zembe" itself, derived from the Nguni language, translates to "axe," aptly reflecting the central artifact that sparked this entire endeavor. The operation has significant implications for our understanding of human prehistory, particularly in the context of changing landscapes and the migration of early human populations.
While the 2004 expedition was a pivotal moment in the exploration of South Africa's submerged prehistory, the research and discoveries continue to evolve. Recent studies have suggested that the South African coast could have been a hotbed of human evolution, with its rich marine resources providing a unique ecological niche for early human development.
In a 2020 study published in the journal "Nature," researchers found evidence of human occupation on the South African coast dating back 120,000 years, supporting the idea that coastal environments played a crucial role in human evolution (Nature). These findings, along with the ongoing work of marine archaeologists like Werz, are reshaping our understanding of how early humans adapted to and utilized coastal ecosystems.
Operation Zembe stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the enduring quest to uncover the mysteries of our ancient past. As technology advances and new discoveries come to light, the story of humanity's origins continues to be written, with each chapter more fascinating than the last.
