News Archaeology

South Asian toolmaking withstood the biggest volcanic blast in 2 million years

People crafted sharp-edged flakes as usual after a colossal eruption around 74,000 years ago

Toolmakers at a site in what’s now India struck sharp flakes from prepared stones such as these before and after a major volcanic eruption around 74,000 years ago, researchers say.

C. Clarkson

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

Stone tools found in central India suggest that ancient South Asians stayed the course after a massive explosion of Indonesia’s Toba volcano around 74,000 years ago, researchers say.