Archaeologists working in Sulawesi, Indonesia, have uncovered compelling evidence of human occupation dating back nearly 200,000 years, offering fresh insights into early human evolution in Southeast Asia. The discovery was made at Leang Bulu Bettue, a rock-shelter site now considered one of the most important archaeological locations in the Wallacea region — the island zone between mainland Asia and Australia.
The findings, recently published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE, reveal a long and continuous record of human activity that spans much of the Pleistocene epoch. According to researchers, the site provides rare evidence of how archaic hominins and Homo sapiens may have occupied the region at different times, and possibly even overlapped.
Ancient Tools Point to Early Archaic Hominins
The research team, led by Basran Burhan of Griffith University, uncovered a wide range of stone tools, animal remains, and cultural materials preserved in multiple sediment layers. The oldest evidence of occupation at Leang Bulu Bettue dates to approximately 208,000 years ago, long before modern humans are believed to have arrived in the area.
Among the earliest discoveries were heavy-duty stone picks, tools typically associated with archaic hominin populations. These implements suggest a well-established cultural tradition that existed on Sulawesi for tens of thousands of years.
Professor Adam Brumm, also from Griffith University, explained that these early activities likely belonged to an archaic human group that survived on the island deep into the Late Pleistocene period. The continuity of tools and techniques points to a stable and long-lasting population adapted to the island’s challenging environment.
A Major Cultural Shift Around 40,000 Years Ago
One of the most significant aspects of the discovery is a dramatic cultural and technological change that occurred around 40,000 years ago. Archaeological layers from this period reveal the sudden appearance of more refined tools along with the earliest known signs of symbolic behavior on the island.
Researchers believe this shift marks the arrival of Homo sapiens, who brought with them advanced tool-making techniques, artistic expression, and complex social behaviors. Newly uncovered artifacts include finely crafted stone tools and evidence linked to early artistic traditions — traits commonly associated with modern humans.
Burhan noted that this later phase represents a completely different technological toolkit, suggesting a major break from earlier traditions. Professor Brumm added that this transformation likely reflects a large-scale demographic and cultural transition, where modern humans gradually replaced the earlier hominin population.
Sulawesi’s Untapped Archaeological Potential
Despite the groundbreaking nature of the findings, researchers believe that the Leang Bulu Bettue site has much more to reveal. Several meters of unexplored sediment still lie beneath the current excavation levels, raising the possibility of uncovering even older evidence of human life.
“Further excavation could significantly reshape our understanding of early human history on Sulawesi — and possibly beyond,” Burhan said.
Sulawesi’s rugged landscape and dense forests have long limited archaeological exploration, but these new discoveries highlight the island’s growing importance in global studies of human evolution. As one of the few regions where traces of multiple hominin species may still be preserved, Sulawesi offers a rare opportunity to study how different human populations adapted, interacted, and evolved over time.
Ongoing research at Leang Bulu Bettue could ultimately rewrite key chapters of the human story, shedding new light on the complex journey of our ancient ancestors across Southeast Asia.