Uncovering the Ancient History of Mallorca: Submerged Bridge Reveals Earlier Human Settlement

A recent study has uncovered new details about the colonization of Mallorca, Spain, through the analysis of an underwater limestone bridge. The bridge, located inside Genovesa Cave, has been dated back nearly 6,000 years, indicating that human life on the island began much earlier than previously believed.

In the depths of Genovesa Cave on the Spanish island of Mallorca, an underwater limestone bridge has emerged as a captivating enigma, casting light on the island's ancient past. A team led by Dr. Bogdan Onac, a geology professor at the University of South Florida, has conducted extensive research on the bridge, revealing new insights into the colonization of Mallorca.

Initially discovered in 2000, the bridge was estimated to be around 3,500 years old based on pottery found near its construction site. However, the recent study has dramatically revised this estimate, placing its origins back nearly 6,000 years ago. This discovery has significantly narrowed the gap between the colonization timelines of islands in the eastern and western Mediterranean.

Uncovering the Ancient History of Mallorca: Submerged Bridge Reveals Earlier Human Settlement

To uncover the bridge's age, researchers meticulously analyzed mineral overgrowth on nearby stalactites and examined a coloration band on its upper section. Divers ventured five meters below the water's surface to collect mineral samples, which were instrumental in determining that the bridge was constructed between 5,800 and 5,500 years ago.

The bridge's submerged location has played a crucial role in its remarkable preservation. If it had been exposed above water, it would have been subjected to various elements that could have compromised its conservation. The protective embrace of water has shielded the bridge from the impact of mass tourism in Mallorca, ensuring its pristine condition.

Uncovering the Ancient History of Mallorca: Submerged Bridge Reveals Earlier Human Settlement

The construction of the bridge from large limestone blocks, likely sourced from cave breakdowns, further contributed to its durability. The flooding within the cave has served as a preserving agent, protecting the bridge from the damaging effects of weathering and erosion.

Onac highlights the significance of this discovery: "By estimating the timeline of the bridge construction, our research suggests that humans likely arrived on Mallorca nearly 2,000 years earlier than previously thought. This discovery significantly narrows the gap between the colonization timelines of islands in the eastern (started 13,000 years ago) and western Mediterranean."

Uncovering the Ancient History of Mallorca: Submerged Bridge Reveals Earlier Human Settlement

The findings of this study have profound implications for understanding the history of human migration and settlement in the Mediterranean region. The submerged bridge in Genovesa Cave stands as a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of our ancestors, who navigated treacherous waters and established a foothold on a new land millennia ago.

As research continues, the bridge promises to yield further insights into the enigmatic past of Mallorca. Future excavations and analysis may uncover additional artifacts and clues that will shed light on the daily lives, cultural practices, and technological advancements of the early inhabitants of this captivating island.

Uncovering the Ancient History of Mallorca: Submerged Bridge Reveals Earlier Human Settlement