We’ve used ropes to simplify our work for so long, most of us can’t imagine a world that existed before the use of rope. We know that ancient civilizations like the Egyptians used ropes, as evidenced in King Tut’s tomb, but how long have we really been using such an essential tool?
In a newly published article, Inverse writer Sarah Sloat details the principal discovery of a scientific report that claims that our use of ropes even predates modern man, going all the way back to the Neanderthals.
The discovery of this rope indicates a level of sophistication and complex thought needed to create an array of advanced tools, hinting at the innovation and creativity which has marked us throughout our time on Earth. Scientists theorize that our ancestors used twisted fibers, like the ones found in this cord, to create clothing, rope, bags, nets, mats, and even boats.
At a dig site called Abri du Maras, scientists found something incredibly small in size but staggeringly huge in implications. There they found a 6-millimeter long cord fragment, created 45,000 years ago by our ancient grandparents who wove three fibers together. They found rope.
What makes 6mm of ancient rope so groundbreaking? It shows that Neanderthals weren’t the dimwitted simpletons we had previously assumed them to be. Historically, when we’ve thought about our Homosapien predecessors, what came to mind was something slightly above a wild animal who grunted at different timbres to communicate. We thought of bearskin pelts and large clubs, the latter used in a variety of activities ranging from hunting to romance.
For over 45,000 years, the idea of binding cords together to make our work easier has been a staple in our toolbox. Thankfully, we’ve made some improvements to that initial rope design. Precision Tension Solutions provides the latest in synthetic rope and tension technology, making your work faster, easier, lighter, and safer.
Learn how we can revolutionize the way you work by visiting us at precisiontensionsolutions.com.
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