Summary
Highlights
Climate and Early Migration00:00:00
Evidence of ancient climatic changes is derived from ice and marine cores. Around 70,000 to 50,000 years ago, a global Ice Age pushed humanity to the brink of extinction, eventually forcing a small band of people to migrate out of Africa.
The Mystery of Australia00:02:12
Early human remains appear in Australia shortly after leaving Africa, a feat that is difficult to explain as there is no archaeological evidence of a land route or the seafaring technology required for the journey.
Archaeological Findings at Lake Mungo00:04:26
Field research at Lake Mungo in New South Wales reveals evidence of human life dating back 40,000 to 45,000 years, confirming that ancient people lived in a lush environment there, but still leaving the mystery of their travel route unresolved.
Oral Traditions and Searching for Answers00:08:48
The investigation turns to Aboriginal 'song lines' to see if oral history provides clues to the migration journey. Despite consulting with descendants and searching rock art in Queensland, the specific details of the initial journey remain a mystery.