Trachilos footprints, Archaeological site near Kissamos, Greece.
The Trachilos footprints are fossilized impressions of hominin feet preserved in sedimentary rock layers along the Mediterranean shoreline of western Crete. The tracks display five forward-pointing toes with a structure resembling modern human feet and remain visible in their original coastal setting.
The footprints were discovered in 2002 and dated to roughly 5.7 million years ago using foraminifera analysis and geological methods. This age made them significantly older than any other previously known hominin tracks.
The footprints have become central to scientific discussions about human origins and early migrations. People studying human evolution now consider this coastal area when thinking about where our ancestors may have lived.
Access requires advance coordination with local archaeological authorities to protect the site from damage. Wear sturdy shoes and prepare for exposed coastal conditions, as the weather and terrain can change significantly throughout the year.
These footprints predate all other known hominin tracks by roughly two million years, making them extraordinarily rare. Their resemblance to modern human feet has sparked unexpected questions about how early our ancestors developed their distinctive walking pattern.
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