60,000 years ago, long before classrooms existed, humans may already have been thinking like this, study suggests
Engravings on ostrich eggshells dating back around 60,000 years may offer new clues about the cognitive abilities of early humans. Researchers from the University of Bologna analysed 112 fragments from archaeological sites in South Africa and Namibia and found recurring geometric patterns, parallel lines and near-right angles. The findings suggest ancient humans could organise shapes according to consistent rules, offering a glimpse into the deep origins of pattern recognition, spatial planning and abstract thinking.
