Long-isolated Libya plans new archaeology drive

Libya the new Archaeological Mecca

With a low population and dry climate, Libya's secrets are well preserved. Historians say the vast desert was once savannah that supported small communities of which little is known.

"We are discovering more about one of the most interesting aspects of human pre-history -- when and how Homo Sapiens left Africa," said Elena Garcea of Cassino University in Italy

With new technology for dating objects, her team has found evidence of human habitation in Libya up to 150,000 years ago and is unearthing details of little-known Early-Middle Stone Age societies.

Libya

Libya has a number of areas of interest, everything from being a constant enemy of ancient Egypt. It was home to people who probably became the Egyptians as the Sahara began to dry.

It also has areas that may harbour early man and gathering points for the OOA theory - which now point to East Africa.