Although devastating, the recent Australian wildfires have brought with them something worth cherishing. The destruction caused by the blazing fires have unearthed an ancient aboriginal aquaculture system, believed to have been built before the Egyptian pyramids. Here is all we know about them so far. By Bayar Jain
The Australian wildfires have revealed an ancient aquaculture system built by indigenous people, which is thought to predate the time of the Pyramids of Egypt. Situated south-west of Victoria, the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape features an elaborate series of channels and pools set up by the Gunditjmara people. Until now, these stone dwellings – which were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List last year – were believed to date back to around 6,600 years. However, after the bush fires subsided, extra sites were spotted as well.
Once hidden under dense vegetation, these newly discovered sites are believed to be a part of the aquaculture system. Following this revelation, a survey will be undertaken by archaeologists, indigenous rangers, and aerial photographers to study these findings further. Photographers will make use of specialised software to map out the entire region, and gain a better understanding of the complex channels, weirs, and dams.
Since the fire broke out in the island nation in December, firefighters have been putting their best foot forward to contain the blaze, including the ones which broke out in and around the Budj Bim National Park. Although the incident has been brought under control now, it is estimated that over seven million hectares of land turned to ash in the process. Thousands of houses have also been destroyed, while many species of animals are on the verge of extinction.
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