Green Gully archaeological site facts for kids
The Green Gully archaeological site is a very important place in Keilor, Victoria, Australia. It's where scientists called archaeologists study the past of Aboriginal people. This site helps us learn about how people lived long, long ago in this part of Australia.
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The Green Gully Site: A Window to the Past
The Green Gully site was found by chance in the 1960s. Workers were digging for soil when they discovered ancient tools and a burial. These amazing finds were hidden in layers of soil and rock, called "alluvial terraces," in the Maribyrnong Valley. Alluvial terraces are like natural steps formed by rivers over thousands of years.
Where is Green Gully?
This special site is located near where Taylors Creek flows into the Maribyrnong River. You can find it in Keilor, which is a suburb of Melbourne. 37°43′46″S 144°49′42″E / 37.729558°S 144.828286°E
What Makes This Site Special?
The soil layers at Keilor, including those at Green Gully, are known as the Keilor Terraces. These terraces have revealed some of the oldest signs of Aboriginal life ever found, similar to the nearby Keilor archaeological site.
Studying the Green Gully site has also helped scientists understand how the climate and rivers in the Melbourne area have changed over more than 30,000 years. It's like a natural history book written in the earth!
How Old is the Site?
Experts have studied the Green Gully site carefully. The Catalogue of Fossil Hominids Database, which keeps track of ancient human remains, tells us that the site is about 6,500 years old. This makes it a truly ancient place, offering clues about Australia's deep past.
