Dating the colonization of Sahul (Pleistocene Australia-New Guinea): a review of recent research

The date for the initial colonization of Sahul is a key benchmark in human history and the topic of a long-running debate. Most analysis favor either a 40,000 BP or 60,000 BP arrival time, though some have proposed a much earlier date. Here we review data from more than 30 archaeological sites with basal ages >20,000 years reported since 1993, giving special attention to five sites with purported ages >45,000 years. We conclude that while the continent was probably occupied by 42-45,000 BP, earlier arrival dates are not well-supported. This observation undercuts claims for modern human migrations out of Africa and beyond the Levant before 50,000 BP. It also has critical but not yet conclusive implications for arguments about a human role in the extinction of Sahul megafauna. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.