Scientists have discovered a collection of stone tools on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island that may prove humans lived there 1.5 million years ago. This could be the earliest known human presence in the Wallacea region, a group of islands between Asia and Australia.
Archaeologists from Australia and Indonesia work at the site where they found small, chipped tools, used to cut little animals and carve rocks, under the soil in the Wallacea region, which scientists say may be evidence of humans living there 1.5 million years ago, in Soppeng, South Sulawesi province, Indonesia, August 7, 2025. REUTERS
The find was made by a joint team of archaeologists from Australia and Indonesia. They uncovered the small, chipped tools beneath the soil in Soppeng, South Sulawesi. These tools were likely used to cut small animals and carve rock surfaces.
Dating the Artefacts and Their Importance
Using radioactive tracing techniques, the team analysed the tools along with animal teeth found nearby. The results indicated that some artefacts date back as far as 1.48 million years.
Stone tools are pictured at the site where archaeologists from Australia and Indonesia found small, chipped tools, used to cut little animals and carve rocks, under the soil in the Wallacea region, which scientists say may be evidence of humans living there 1.5 million years ago, in Soppeng, South Sulawesi province, Indonesia, August 6, 2025. REUTERS
The research, published in the journal Nature in August, challenges existing theories of human migration. Previously, scientists believed the earliest humans in Wallacea were Homo erectus who settled on Flores in Indonesia and Luzon in the Philippines about 1.02 million years ago. They were thought unable to cross large stretches of ocean, which makes the Sulawesi discovery especially significant.
Implications for Human Migration Theories
Lead archaeologist Adam Brumm from Griffith University in Queensland explained that these artefacts were created by ancient humans long before modern Homo sapiens evolved. He suggested that Homo erectus somehow crossed a major ocean gap from mainland Asia to Sulawesi at least a million years ago.
Archaeologists work at the site where they found small, chipped tools, used to cut little animals and carve rocks, under the soil in the Wallacea region, which scientists say may be evidence of humans living there 1.5 million years ago, in Soppeng, South Sulawesi province, Indonesia, August 7, 2025. REUTERS
Wallacea, named after naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, includes islands such as Sulawesi, Lombok, Flores, Timor, and Sumbawa. These islands lie between Borneo, Java, Australia, and New Guinea, forming a key part of early human migration studies.
A multi-faceted professional with a diverse range of skills and experiences. He currently works as a Producer, Digital Marketer, and Journalist for several well-known media outlets, namely StratNewsGlobal, BharatShakti, and Interstellar. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Aditya has covered a wide range of topics and events across India, bringing a unique perspective to his work.When he's not busy producing content, Aditya enjoys exploring new places and cuisines, having traveled extensively throughout India. He's also an avid writer and poet, often penning his thoughts and musings in his free time. And when he wants to unwind and relax, Aditya spends time with his two loyal companions, Zorro and Pablo, his beloved dogs.Aditya's dynamic personality and varied interests make him a unique individual, always eager to learn and experience new things.
A multi-faceted professional with a diverse range of skills and experiences. He currently works as a Producer, Digital Marketer, and Journalist for several well-known media outlets, namely StratNewsGlobal, BharatShakti, and Interstellar. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Aditya has covered a wide range of topics and events across India, bringing a unique perspective to his work.When he's not busy producing content, Aditya enjoys exploring new places and cuisines, having traveled extensively throughout India. He's also an avid writer and poet, often penning his thoughts and musings in his free time. And when he wants to unwind and relax, Aditya spends time with his two loyal companions, Zorro and Pablo, his beloved dogs.Aditya's dynamic personality and varied interests make him a unique individual, always eager to learn and experience new things.
