Ten thousand years of cultivation at Kuk Swamp in the highlands of Papua New Guinea,

Archaeological evidence from Kuk Swamp, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Papua New Guinea's highlands, reveals the world's earliest known agricultural practices dating back 10,000 years. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the origins of agriculture, suggesting it emerged independently and earlier than thought in other regions. The study employed stratigraphic excavation and radiocarbon dating to analyze sediment layers, uncovering tools, plant remains, and other artifacts that indicate systematic cultivation of taro, yams, and other staples. These findings underscore the significance of Kuk Swamp as a cradle of human innovation, with profound implications for understanding the transition from foraging to farming societies.

Terrell, J. E. (2019). Ten thousand years of cultivation at Kuk Swamp in the highlands of Papua New Guinea,. Australian Archaeology, 85(1), 108–109. https://doi.org/10.1080/03122417.2019.1609718