A key out-of-Africa site just got older: Dating methods push 'Ubeidiya site back at least 1.9 million years
Phys.org
February 19, 2026
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A groundbreaking study has revealed that the Ubeidiya site in the Jordan Valley, a crucial location for understanding human evolution, dates back to at least 1.9 million years ago—making it one of the oldest known early human sites outside Africa. By combining three advanced dating techniques, researchers have significantly refined the timeline of this prehistoric site, pushing its age further into the past than previously established estimates. This discovery underscores Ubeidiya's importance as a key site for studying early hominin migration and adaptation in regions beyond Africa.
The Ubeidiya site has long been recognized for its rich archaeological deposits, including stone tools and animal bones. Previous datings had placed it around 1.6 million years ago, but the new study, published in *Nature Ecology & Evolution*, integrates multiple dating methods: paleomagnetic analysis, electron spin resonance (ESR) dating, and faunal analysis. These techniques provided a more precise timeline, indicating that hominins inhabited the site much earlier than thought. The revised age suggests that Ubeidiya is among the earliest evidence of human activity outside Africa, alongside sites like Dmanisi in Georgia.
This study not only adds clarity to the timeline of early human migration but also challenges previous assumptions about when and how humans spread beyond Africa. By establishing a more accurate dating framework for Ubeidiya, researchers can better understand the behavioral and adaptive strategies of early hominins in new environments. This discovery is particularly significant for readers interested in science and human evolution, as it reshapes our understanding of prehistoric migration patterns and the spread of early humans across the globe.
The findings also highlight the importance of integrating multiple dating methods to
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/19/2026