Hominid footprints in Crete could change evolutionary theory

Polish paleontologist Gerhard Gierlinski wasn't looking for prehistoric hominid footprints when he found himself in Crete in the summer of 2002. He just wanted to relax, enjoy the sea and sand, in the company of his partner. However, as a researcher at the Polish Geological Institute, he was used to observing the environment and collecting samples on his vacations. That's why he always had a hammer, a camera and a GPS with him.

When he spotted strange footprints on a rock near Trachilos beach, his interest was piqued. He decided to consult colleagues from Poland, Sweden, Greece, the US and the UK, including Dr. Per Alberg. The experts concluded that the footprints had been left by human ancestors 5.6 million years ago, making them the oldest hominid footprints in Europe.

Το βρετανικό υποβρύχιο από τον Β’ Παγκόσμιο που βρέθηκε πρόσφατα στο Ικάριο Πέλαγος (ΒΙΝΤΕΟ)

Gierlinski's revelations provoked a strong reaction. Many scientists who supported the theory of the African origin of humans refused to accept the findings, leading the researchers to a difficult period. Alberg described his experience as "six and a half years of hell." Despite the publication of their research in 2017, the scientific community remained silent, possibly because the discovery contradicted the dominant theory.

However, matilde boehme's team At The university Of tübingen Was particularly interested in the findings. The researchers had studied graecopithecus, A prehistoric ape from the Miocene, which had been found near athens And was of a similar age to the trachilos Prints.

In recent years, efforts to confirm the dating of the footprints have continued, with new analyses and television documentaries bringing the issue to the forefront. Alberg admits that while the scientific community has not fully accepted the findings, the voices supporting a European origin of human ancestors are growing louder.