BU in the Media: Professor Matthew Bennett receives widespread coverage on ancient footprints
BU’s Professor of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Matthew Bennett, has received widespread media coverage on the study of ancient footprints that were discovered from nearly six million years ago.
The ancient footprints were analysed by Professor Bennett and suggest early humans may have been in Europe earlier than previously believed.
Professor Bennett said: “The research is highly controversial as researchers on human evolution have a very closed and Afrocentric view on evolution and this challenges that.”
Shortly after the fossil footprints were found on the Greek island of Crete, four or five out of the 29 tracks were stolen. An arrest has been made and the stolen tracks recovered, although the damage is irreparable.
Professor Bennett commented: “Artefacts and fossils should be for everyone and not for people who are trying to steal them to make money.”
