Ancient humans may have travelled to Europe via the Aegean coast of Turkey

New archaeological findings in the Ayvalik region (modern Turkey) suggest that ancient people may have entered Europe not only through the Balkans and the Levant, but also by another route - through the north-eastern part of the Aegean coast.

The study, published in The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology, describes the discovery of 138 stone artefacts from 10 sites covering a total area of about 200km². The finds include hand chisels, chopping implements and blanks made using the Levallois technique characteristic of the Middle Palaeolithic. Such objects are traditionally associated with Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens.

Scientists note that during ice ages, sea levels were hundreds of metres lower, making the present-day islands and peninsulas of Ayvalik a single landmass. This created a natural bridge between Anatolia and Europe over which ancient people could travel.

Dr Göknur Karahan from Hacettepe University said the find was an "unforgettable moment" for the team:

"Holding the first tools found where Palaeolithic traces have never been recorded before was emotional and inspiring."

Colleagues stress that the artefacts from Ayvalik reflect technological traditions spread across Africa, Asia and Europe, meaning that the region played an important role in knowledge exchange and migrations.

Despite the difficult preservation conditions (muddy deposits and the active geology of the region), the researchers managed to find flint and chalcedony implements in good condition. This confirms that Ayvalik could have served as a long-term habitat for ancient people and a strategic corridor for settlement to Europe.

Scientists plan to continue their research using stratigraphic excavations, dating and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction to clarify the chronology and function of the objects found.