Scientists discover lost world beneath the ocean, ancient human remains found

Scientists have uncovered a remarkable piece of history beneath the ocean floor near Indonesia. Fossilized remains of Homo erectus, an ancient human ancestor, have been found buried under layers of silt and sand in the Madura Strait. Alongside these human remains, researchers have identified 6,000 animal fossils from 36 different species, including buffalos, deer, elephants, and Komodo dragons. This discovery is rewriting what we know about early human settlements and their survival strategies.

The submerged land where these fossils were found was once part of Sundaland, a vast tropical plain that connected Southeast Asia before rising sea levels swallowed it. Experts believe this is the first physical evidence of life in this lost world. For years, Sundaland was just a theory. Now, the bones tell a different story.

Some of the fossils show deliberate cut marks, suggesting that early humans were actively hunting and using tools. This finding challenges previous assumptions about Homo erectus, indicating they may have had more advanced hunting techniques than previously believed. These marks are not random. They reveal a structured approach to survival, proving that early humans were more sophisticated hunters than expected.

The fossils were initially discovered by maritime sand miners in 2011, but only recently have experts been able to confirm their age and species. Further analysis has revealed that the site was once a thriving ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of wildlife. This lost world was not just a barren landscape. It was a rich environment where early humans lived, hunted, and adapted to their surroundings.

Key Findings from the Discovery

  • Human remains: Skull fragments of Homo erectus preserved under ocean sediment
  • Animal fossils: 6,000 specimens from 36 species, including large mammals and reptiles
  • Hunting evidence: Cut marks on bones suggest early humans used tools for hunting
  • Sundaland connection: The site was once part of a vast landmass that linked Southeast Asia
  • Historical significance: First physical proof of human life in the lost world

Sources
https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/140-000-year-old-homo-erectus-bones-discovered-on-drowned-land-in-indonesia

https://archaeology.org/news/2025/05/23/140000-year-old-bones-on-seafloor-reveal-clues-about-behavior-of-extinct-human-species/

https://www.gbnews.com/science/archaeology-breakthrough-hidden-under-water-city-indonesia