Terra Amata's men settled on a beach 400,000 years ago. This exhibition offers, through several examples, to discuss the relationship between men and prehistoric women and the seas and oceans: fish resources, raw materials, navigation, etc.
The relationships of the men of Prehistory with the seas and oceans were both fascinating and essential for their survival. Although early humans do not seem to have had a very close relationship with the seas, from the Upper Paleolithic, prehistoric men and women quickly understood the importance of literals and marine resources.
The coasts were strategic places for hunting and fishing, providing an abundant source of food and raw materials, including fish, shellfish and marine mammals. The first human communities have developed fishing and collection techniques, as demonstrated by the use of harpoons from the Upper Paleolithic.
In addition, seas and oceans played a role in movement and trade. Some prehistoric populations, like the first inhabitants of the Mediterranean islands, have shown signs of a first navigation, at least from the beginning of the Neolithic. Objects found on different islands testify to these maritime exchanges, proving that the men of that time had a practical knowledge of marine currents and winds.
The oceans, both resources and challenges, were therefore a living, migration and discovery ground. They helped shape the human societies of Prehistory and their relationship with their natural environment.
Photo: Nice, 400,000 years ago.
Credit: Lemayeur Alunni Workshop