A new theory is reshaping how we understand the origins of modern humans. For a long time, it has been widely believed that the first Homo sapiens migrated out of eastern Africa.
However, a recent scientific review points in a different direction: the earliest footprint of modern humans likely emerged from the southern coastline of Africa around 70,000 years ago.
The southern Cape region—now part of South Africa—is believed to have been the starting point of humanity’s great journey across the world. From this area, ancient Homo sapiens began moving northward along the eastern coast of Africa before eventually leaving the continent between 50,000 and 40,000 years ago.
Early Traces from the Southern Shore
Researchers base this perspective on multiple lines of evidence, including fossil records, genetic studies, paleoclimate data, and archaeological discoveries at key sites such as Pinnacle Point, Blombos, and Klasies River.
Curtis Marean, one of the leading scientists, explains that this coastal region offered exceptional advantages for survival. The ocean provided a stable food supply—especially shellfish and other marine life—that remained accessible even when inland areas faced drought and extreme temperatures.
While inland groups relied on hunting and foraging that could be unpredictable, coastal communities had constant access to high-energy resources.
Moreover, they had already developed technologies such as the bow and arrow, reflecting a high level of creativity and cultural adaptation. These innovations gave them a significant advantage over other human populations of the time.
Sea and Climate: Two Decisive Factors
Major shifts in sea levels during the Ice Age also played a crucial role. When sea levels dropped dramatically, the southern Cape coastline expanded into a wide, resource-rich plain.
At the same time, the narrowing of the Red Sea between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula may have made it easier for humans to cross into West Asia.
Researchers believe that coastal humans at the time possessed the cognitive ability to track lunar cycles, helping them determine the best times to harvest marine resources. Yet, this environmental abundance may also have triggered conflicts between groups, a factor that could have pushed some populations to migrate northward.
Surviving Through Global Crises
Climate records show that the world has gone through highly extreme conditions: from a long cold period between 190,000 and 130,000 years ago to the massive eruption of Mount Toba around 74,000 years ago, which triggered a global “volcanic winter.”
Remarkably, communities along the southern coast of Africa not only survived these turbulent times, but also continued to develop. Archaeological sites provide strong proof of significant cognitive and cultural advances, such as the use of red ochre pigments, engraved stones, and a 73,000-year-old ochre crayon.
Their stone tool technology was among the most advanced of its era: heat-treating stones to strengthen them, producing highly precise microlithic blades, and crafting bone tools, possibly for clothing or footwear. All these point to technical sophistication surpassing that of other human groups elsewhere at the time.
Why Migrate?
Scientists propose that the primary drivers were population pressure and resource competition. As human numbers grew, environmental changes and limited living spaces—such as coastal caves—may have pushed some groups to move.
Supported by improved strategic thinking and enhanced social cooperation, these early humans were able to plan long-distance journeys along Africa’s eastern coastline. Coastal routes were considered safer and more manageable than inland paths, offering marine food sources, freshwater, warmer temperatures, and fewer dangerous animals.
Interestingly, no evidence has been found of other human groups along the East African coast possessing such a complex marine-based culture. This suggests that Homo sapiens from southern Africa were the pioneers of this great migration.
The Starting Point of “Out of Africa”
Around 60,000 years ago, sea levels near the Horn of Africa fell to about 100 meters below present-day levels. This created an opportunity for humans to cross into the Arabian Peninsula, the first major step in the expansion of Homo sapiens to Asia, Europe, and eventually the entire world.
Based on converging fossil, genetic, and environmental evidence, scientists conclude that the southern coast of Africa was not merely a place of survival, but the birthplace of modern humanity. It was there that humans learned to adapt, innovate, and embark on the long journey that would ultimately shape the history of civilization.
