1.8-Million-Year-Old Jawbone Found in Georgia

• Archaeologists uncover ancient human remains at Orozmani, offering new insights into early Eurasian migration and prehistoric life.

Discovery Sheds Light on Early Human Migration

A team of archaeologists working in southern Georgia has unearthed a 1.8-million-year-old human jawbone, believed to belong to an early species of Homo erectus. The find was made at the Orozmani site, located roughly 100 kilometers southwest of Tbilisi, and adds to a growing body of evidence about prehistoric human settlements outside Africa. Despite its modest size—smaller than two parking spaces—the site has yielded some of the oldest known human remains ever discovered in Eurasia. Researchers say the jawbone could help reconstruct the lifestyle and movement patterns of early hunter-gatherers who began migrating nearly two million years ago.

Nearby discoveries in Dmanisi, including skulls of similar age, have already positioned Georgia as a key location in the study of early human dispersal. The latest excavation also revealed fossils from a range of animals, such as sabre-toothed tigers, elephants, wolves, deer, and giraffes. A collection of stone tools was found alongside the remains, suggesting that the area supported sustained human activity. These findings provide valuable context for understanding how early humans adapted to new environments after leaving Africa.

Fossils Offer Clues to Prehistoric Life

Scientists believe that detailed analysis of the jawbone and associated animal fossils could reveal important information about diet, climate, and evolutionary development. The presence of diverse fauna indicates a rich ecosystem that may have supported early human survival. Stone tools found at the site suggest that Homo erectus had developed techniques for hunting and processing food. Understanding these behaviors is essential for mapping the progression of human capabilities over time.

Giorgi Bidzinashvili, a professor of stone age archaeology at Ilia State University, emphasized the significance of the site in reconstructing the lives of Eurasia’s first human settlers. He noted that Orozmani continues to produce new discoveries annually, contributing to a broader picture of prehistoric migration. The jawbone adds to a timeline that includes earlier finds, such as a human tooth excavated in 2022. Each layer of sediment offers a chance to uncover more about the origins of human life beyond Africa.

Ongoing Excavations and Global Collaboration

The Orozmani site has become a focal point for international research, drawing experts and students from around the world. Miles Alexandre, a recent anthropology graduate from the University of Rhode Island, described the dig as highly productive, noting that even shallow excavations can yield significant finds. His experience reflects the growing interest in collaborative fieldwork aimed at piecing together early human history. The site’s accessibility and consistent output make it a valuable resource for both academic study and public understanding.

Continued excavation efforts are expected to deepen knowledge about Homo erectus and its adaptation strategies. Researchers hope to use the data to refine models of human migration and environmental interaction. The combination of human and animal remains, along with tools, provides a comprehensive snapshot of life nearly two million years ago. As new discoveries emerge, Orozmani may play an increasingly central role in shaping theories about the spread of early humans across continents.