Did Civilization Exist During the Last Ice Age?

In the widespread narrative of human history, the concept of civilization is often traced back to the time when written records began to be kept, roughly around 6,000 to 8,000 years ago. However, as our understanding of prehistory continues to evolve, the possibility that civilizations thrived during the last Ice Age is gaining traction among researchers and enthusiasts alike.

Debating the Existence of Past Civilizations

The first perspective often cited is the notion that a society only qualifies as a civilization if it possesses written records. However, this view is being challenged as evidence of earlier complex societies is unearthed. For instance, the Tiahuanaco civilization, located in the Andes, shows signs of sophisticated construction well before 12,700 BCE, pushing back the timeline of recognizable complex societies significantly. It is suggested that these early humans had such advanced engineering skills that they would still be considered masters of their craft even with today's technology.

Human Adaptation to Ice Ages

Another line of thought posits that human migration and adaptation during the last major ice age (which peaked around 50,000 years ago) were key factors driving societal changes. During this period, sea levels were significantly lower, enabling easier migration across land bridges that no longer exist today. This time frame, while characterized by harsh conditions, also saw the beginning of a 20,000-year warming trend that started about 10,000 years ago. It was during this warming period that humans experienced conditions more favorable for the flourishing of complex societies, leading to the development of agriculture, urban centers, and other hallmarks of civilization.

Arguably, the last Ice Age, rather than marking the end of civilization, might have been a driver for innovation and adaptation. For instance, the earthquake at Lisbon, Portugal, on New Year's Day 1755, demonstrated the resilience and engineering prowess of humans during difficult times. Similarly, the glacial periods provided resilience to human societies, driving them to develop sophisticated tools and migrate using adapted strategies.

Evidence of Past Civilizations

Evidence of ancient civilizations continues to emerge as researchers delve deeper into the archaeological record and embrace new technologies. A notable example is the recent NASA overflight of Antarctica, which revealed potential structures beneath 1.6 miles of ice that may be city-sized buildings arranged in a city-like topography. This and other discoveries suggest that ancient civilizations were not confined to coastal regions and that sophisticated societies existed in Antarctica when it was temperate, long before it became ice-covered.

Furthermore, it is hypothesized that a thorough study of the ancient coastlines, now 300 feet below sea level, could yield evidence of habitation that could be classified as 'civilization.' The lower sea levels during glacial periods meant that coasts were closer to habitable zones, providing fertile land for agriculture and settlements. This discovery would challenge the conventional timeline of human habitation and the development of complex societies.

Contemporary Implications and Adaptation

Today, the climate change debate often focuses on global warming and its potential to bring down modern civilization. The irony is that, even if greenhouse gas emissions were reduced to zero, the Earth's warming trend would likely continue due to pre-existing conditions. Therefore, adaptation to ongoing environmental changes is crucial. Educational programs like EGMi (Evolving Global Mindset) are suggested as a means to cope with these challenges, offering tools and resources to help individuals and societies thrive in changing conditions.

While scientific evidence and ongoing research provide clues about the possibility of ancient civilizations, the debate remains open. The exploration of such archaeological mysteries continues to fuel curiosity and inspire new discoveries, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of human history and potential.