Footprints in New Mexico - The First Humans in North America? (Video)
In the arid expanses of New Mexico's White Sands National Monument, a groundbreaking discovery challenges established notions of human history in North America. Archaeologists, led by David Bustos and his team, unearthed what is believed to be the oldest human footprints in the United States. These ancient imprints, alongside tracks of camels and mammoths, were concealed for centuries beneath layers of sand and clay until a flood unveiled their story. These footprints, particularly those of children playing in sloth-created puddles, provide a glimpse into the coexistence of humans with megafauna, painting a vivid picture of daily life.
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The pivotal revelation, however, lies in the dating of these footprints. Contrary to the prevailing belief that humans arrived in North America around 13,500 to 16,000 years ago, radiocarbon dating of seeds near the tracks suggests a staggering age of 23,000 to 21,000 years. While some remain cautious, citing concerns about dating methods, the implications are profound. If validated, this discovery could prompt a reevaluation of similar sites in the region, potentially unearthing even older evidence of human presence in North America. The White Sands footprints, a silent testimony to an ancient past, challenge our understanding of when and how humans first inhabited this continent.
Top image: A recent study, outlining what archaeologists consider the oldest known footprints in the United States, is giving rise to new inquiries and overturning established beliefs Source: YouTube Screenshot/PBS NewsHour
