Explore Gobero: Stone Age Graveyard in Niger's Ténéré Desert

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In summary, an article details the discovery of a 10,000-year-old archaeological site in the Ténéré Desert, named Gobero. It contains skeletons of humans and animals, including fish and crocodiles, and has been the site of other important paleontological discoveries. The article also mentions the Tuareg nomads who inhabit the Sahara, raising questions about their potential connection to the ancient inhabitants of Gobero.
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This is the best article i have read to date.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080815101317.htm

The remarkable archaeological site, dating back 10,000 years and called Gobero after the Tuareg name for the area, was brimming with skeletons of humans and animals — including large fish and crocodiles. Gobero is hidden away within Niger’s forbidding Ténéré Desert, known to Tuareg nomads as a “desert within a desert.” The Ténéré is the setting of some of Sereno’s key paleontological discoveries, including the 500-toothed, plant-eating dinosaur Nigersaurus that lived 110 million years ago and the enormous extinct crocodilian Sarcosuchus, also known as SuperCroc.
 
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The Sahara is inhabited by some very interesting nomads, I wonder if they are related to these people? Great discovery, thanks for posting this.
 
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I find this article to be incredibly fascinating and significant. The discovery of Gobero as a Stone Age graveyard in the Ténéré Desert provides valuable insight into the lives and practices of early human populations in this region. The presence of a diverse range of animal remains, including large fish and crocodiles, also suggests that this area was once much more hospitable and supported a thriving ecosystem.

Furthermore, the fact that Gobero is located within the Ténéré Desert, known as a "desert within a desert," highlights the resilience and adaptability of early human populations. This site challenges our previous assumptions about the limitations of human settlement in harsh environments.

The mention of other important paleontological discoveries in the Ténéré Desert, such as the Nigersaurus and Sarcosuchus, further emphasizes the scientific significance of this region. The study of Gobero not only sheds light on human history, but also contributes to our understanding of the evolution and diversity of other species in this area.

I believe that this article is an excellent example of the importance of interdisciplinary research and the value of combining archaeological and paleontological evidence to gain a more comprehensive understanding of our past. I look forward to further studies and discoveries at Gobero and in the Ténéré Desert, which will undoubtedly continue to enrich our knowledge of human and natural history.
 

FAQ: Explore Gobero: Stone Age Graveyard in Niger's Ténéré Desert

What is Gobero and why is it important?

Gobero is a Stone Age graveyard located in the Ténéré Desert in Niger. It is important because it provides valuable information about the lives and burial practices of early humans, dating back to approximately 10,000 years ago.

How was Gobero discovered?

Gobero was discovered in 2000 by an international team of archaeologists. They were conducting a survey of the Ténéré Desert when they stumbled upon the site. They initially found a few scattered human bones, but further excavation revealed a large burial ground with over 200 graves.

What have scientists learned from Gobero?

Scientists have learned a great deal about the people who lived in the Ténéré Desert during the Stone Age. They have discovered that the people buried at Gobero were hunter-gatherers who lived in small groups and had complex burial rituals. They have also found evidence of environmental changes and how it may have affected the lives of these early humans.

How were the bodies at Gobero buried?

The bodies at Gobero were buried in a variety of ways. Some were buried in a flexed position, with their knees bent and close to their chest. Others were placed in a supine position, with their arms and legs extended. Some were buried with grave goods, such as stone tools, jewelry, and pottery. The variety of burial styles suggests that there may have been different cultural groups living in the area.

Can the public visit Gobero?

Currently, Gobero is not open to the public. It is a protected archaeological site and excavation is still ongoing. However, some of the artifacts and remains found at Gobero are on display at the National Museum of Niger in Niamey. Visitors can learn more about Gobero and the Stone Age in Niger at the museum.

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