大象传媒

British archaeologists have discovered a wooden structure believed to have been created nearly 500,000 years ago in Zambia. They say it shows that ancient humans - or hominids - were using building skills much earlier than had been previously thought.

The research by a team from the University of Liverpool and Aberystwyth University suggests the archaeological site of Kalambo Falls predates the evolution of our own species, homo sapiens.

One of those involved in the finding is Professor Geoff Duller who told Newsday the find could provide evidence of ancient humans settling down, at least for a period of time, rather than being completely nomadic.

"The pieces that really got us excited were these two large logs that were at right angles to one another and upper one... had a notch cut into it. Clearly the intention was to lock these two pieces of wood together to make some sort of structure."

(Pic: Unearthed ancient wooden logs in Zambia; Credit: Larry Barham)