Imagine walking on a surface so hot and treacherous that it could only be described as hellish—yet, over 350,000 years ago, a group of ancient humans did just that. Their footprints, preserved in volcanic ash, have earned the name 'Devil’s Trails,' and they’ve left scientists both fascinated and baffled. But here’s where it gets controversial: Who were these so-called 'Devil Humans,' and how did they survive such a perilous journey? A recent study in Quaternary dives deep into this mystery, offering clues about early humans in Europe—but the answers are far from simple.
The Devil’s Trails: A Perilous Journey Across Volcanic Ash
In southern Italy, the Roccamonfina volcano unleashed a catastrophic eruption, spewing molten rock and ash into a nearby valley. As this pyroclastic material cooled, it formed a surface both soft and solid enough for humans to walk on—and walk they did, leaving behind a trail of footprints that have endured for millennia. This discovery is remarkable not just for its rarity but for what it suggests: these ancient humans didn’t just survive a volcanic eruption; they thrived in its aftermath. But who were they, and how did they navigate such a hostile environment?
The footprints were found in a region dominated by ignimbrite, a rock formed from volcanic debris. Despite the steep, uneven terrain, the tracks are strikingly clear, providing a window into a world long gone. These humans must have walked across the landscape when it was still soft enough to leave imprints but firm enough to support their weight—a narrow window of opportunity that speaks to their resilience and adaptability.
Unraveling the Mystery: Who Left These Tracks?
To identify the trackmakers, researchers turned to footprint analysis, a method used to estimate height and weight. But this wasn’t straightforward. The uneven volcanic surface made traditional calculations tricky, as most formulas are designed for flatter terrain. After adjusting for these challenges, the team estimated that the individuals were between 152.9 and 176.7 centimeters (5 to 5 feet 9 inches) tall and weighed between 55.5 and 64.6 kilograms (122.4 to 142.4 pounds). These measurements align with Homo heidelbergensis, a species that inhabited Europe during this period. The study also suggests the group included a mix of individuals, possibly two women or children and one adult male.
The Enigma of *Homo Heidelbergensis*
While the findings point to Homo heidelbergensis, the study acknowledges significant uncertainties. The researchers note that the data allows only for vague conclusions, as the trackmakers’ body size falls within the wide variation range of this species. Homo heidelbergensis was a key ancestor to both Neanderthals and modern humans, but its physical characteristics varied widely. Some individuals were much taller than those who left the Devil’s Trails, adding complexity to the identification process. And this is the part most people miss: Could these footprints belong to a different species entirely, or are they a snapshot of Homo heidelbergensis’s diversity?
What Do the Devil’s Trails Teach Us?
These footprints offer a glimpse into the lives of early humans, showcasing their ability to adapt to extreme environments. Their careful steps on a soft, slippery surface hint at advanced coordination and awareness. But the bigger question lingers: Are these humans direct ancestors of modern humans, or a lost branch of humanity? The Devil’s Trails, combined with other archaeological evidence, could one day clarify our evolutionary path. However, as the Quaternary study emphasizes, more research is needed.
A Thought-Provoking Question for You
What if these 'Devil Humans' weren’t just survivors but pioneers, pushing the boundaries of what early humans could achieve? Could their journey across a volcanic wasteland represent a turning point in our evolutionary history? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think these footprints belong to Homo heidelbergensis, or could they tell a different story altogether?
