New evidence from Canterbury reveals early humans survived harsh Ice Age climates in Britain over 700,000 years ago. Credit: Alastair Key / CC BY 4.0
Archaeologists have found compelling proof that early humans not only lived in Britain over 700,000 years ago, but also managed to survive during one of the most extreme Ice Age periods in northern Europe. This breakthrough discovery reshapes earlier views that the region was too cold and desolate to support human life during glacial periods.
The discovery, made in Old Park near Canterbury in Kent, reveals that early humans adapted to severe cold far earlier than previously thought. A group of researchers from the University of Cambridge, in collaboration with other experts, uncovered thousands of early stone tools at the site. These tools were found in deep layers of gravel and sand, buried beneath what had once been ancient riverbeds.
The findings suggest that an early human species, known as Homo heidelbergensis, lived in the area between 712,000 and 621,000 years ago. These early people are believed to be direct ancestors of Neanderthals. Their ability to survive during extreme climate conditions marks a significant chapter in the story of human resilience.
Though stone tools were first discovered in the area back in the 1920s, the most recent excavations beginning in 2020 have revealed much older geological layers than previously examined. These layers remained intact thanks to the area’s unique terrain, which preserved elevated gravel deposits.
One of the most striking discoveries came from sediment dated to about 440,000 years ago—during the Anglian Ice Age, one of the coldest times in Europe’s prehistoric record. In these layers, researchers found sharp flint tools that appeared untouched since their original placement. Their excellent condition indicated that they were likely created on-site and quickly buried, which helped protect them from natural damage.
Nick Ashton, a curator at the British Museum, explained that the findings confirm that humans were living in Britain during this intense Ice Age period. This challenges the long-held belief that humans only returned to Britain during warmer intervals. The evidence strongly supports the idea that early people managed to adapt and endure in harsh and freezing climates.
How ancient humans may have adapted
Alongside the tools, researchers also found ancient plant remains that indicate the area was once a cold grassland. While it remains unclear whether they stayed in the region year-round or moved with the seasons, their survival in such extreme conditions remains impressive.
Experts believe that these early humans might have used animal skins to stay warm, built temporary shelters, and followed animal herds for food. The tools also tell a deeper story. Two distinct styles of handaxes were found—one roughly shaped and long, the other more rounded and carefully crafted. These differences may point to separate groups of early humans, possibly arriving at different times over a span of 200,000 years.
Chris Stringer from the Natural History Museum suggested that these variations in tools could reflect different traditions or lifestyles.
Work at the Old Park site is ongoing. As archaeologists continue to study the artifacts and environmental samples, they hope to uncover more about how early humans managed to live through some of the most brutal conditions in Britain’s history. The site is now seen as one of the most important places for understanding human survival during ancient Ice Ages.
Early humans survived the Ice Age. Credit: Thomas James Caldwell / CC BY ND 2.0 (Illustrative Picture of Iceland).