Not a coincidence: archaeologists made an incredible discovery thanks to ancient drawings.

Researchers studying stone slabs from the prehistoric settlement of Gennersdorf, Germany, discovered carved images of fish encased in net-like patterns. This finding suggests that early humans may have used nets for fishing as far back as 15,800 years ago, writes IFLScience.

These discoveries stem from the analysis of 406 decorated slate slabs previously excavated at the site and meticulously examined. However, the depiction of fish caught in nets went unnoticed until researchers employed Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) technology to reveal these details.

On eight carved stone tablets, researchers identified fish figures overlaid on net patterns, which are believed to represent primitive fishing nets or traps.

According to the study's authors, the positioning of the fish figures within the grid lines reflects a conscious artistic choice. They explained that the fish were initially drawn as free-swimming, then enclosed in the net, symbolizing the act of catching rather than merely depicting the animals themselves.

This abstraction contrasts with images of other animals found in Gennersdorf, suggesting a focus on the fishing process rather than the fish themselves.

Additionally, fish remains discovered in Gennersdorf indicate that aquatic inhabitants played a significant role in the diet of prehistoric residents, supporting researchers' theories that nets were likely used for fishing, especially during migration periods when large quantities of fish could be caught.

The presence of textiles depicted on figurines from the same period suggests that early humans may have utilized plant fibers to create these fishing nets, with potential sources including plants like euphorbia or nettle.

This research provides the first evidence of net fishing among early humans of the Magdalenian culture. Understanding their achievements offers valuable insights into the lives and ingenuity of our ancient ancestors, revealing the evolutionary development of human tools and survival strategies.

We also wrote about why scientists are fighting for recognition of the Elfdalian language.