The Likelihood of a Great Lost Civilization Thriving on the Sunda Shelf
The possibility of a great lost civilization thriving on the Sunda Shelf, a submerged land bridge that once connected the islands of Indonesia and Australasia, remains a fascinating subject. Histories, theories, and hypotheses abound, each offering a unique perspective on the potential existence of such a civilization. While some argue that a lost civilization on the Sunda Shelf is highly improbable, others suggest that in the face of geological and cultural complexities, it is not entirely out of the question.
The Geological Evidence
Archaeological evidence tends to support the notion that early human migrations around the world were not hindered by the existence of the Sunda Land Bridge. The land bridge, which connected the islands of Southeast Asia to Australia and New Guinea for over 60,000 years, submerged around 8,000 to 13,000 years ago. Many scholars argue that if a lost civilization had thrived on this land, its inhabitants would have long since migrated to higher ground due to rising sea levels. As one expert noted, 'A civilization would have had plenty of time to migrate away as their land submerged and would have had nothing standing in their way.' This suggests that if such a civilization existed, it would have been short-lived by the time the landmass disappeared, leaving little to no archaeological evidence.
The Role of Primitive Tools and Advanced Societies
However, the example of Teotihuacan, a city with highly advanced and complex structures built with relatively primitive tools, raises the possibility that a society could achieve significant advancements with limited technological means. Some argue that a civilization on the Sunda Shelf could have been more advanced than previously thought, with agricultural and maritime practices that enabled them to thrive for a considerable length of time.
“I don't think it's impossible. See Teotihuacan: you can have a very advanced and complex civilization with rather primitive stone tools.”
These societies might have developed techniques for agriculture and trade that allowed them to maintain a settled lifestyle, even with primitive tools. Moreover, if they were able to establish maritime trade routes, they could have spread their influence to regions such as Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This maritime connection might have allowed them to sustain their civilization despite the geographical challenges presented by the land bridge's submersion.
The Cultural Implications
Even if there was no visible evidence of large stone structures, the cultural and historical impact of a lost civilization on the Sunda Shelf could still be significant. The submerged land bridge would have been a crucial crossroads for cultural exchange, trade, and migration. Maritime cultures, which would have been well-adapted to the coastal environment, could have had the greatest impact on subsequent world history.
“Probably not in the sense of leaving conspicuous stone structures. But surely there were some cultures there. It was probably neither all too forested to penetrate nor all too dry for fresh water. Presumably it would have been shoreline maritime cultures who had most effect on the subsequent world after the sea rose.”
The impact of these maritime cultures on later civilizations could have been profound. As the land submerged, they may have adapted to the new coastal environment, developing sophisticated maritime technologies and economic systems. The influence of these advanced societies on later Southeast Asian civilizations, such as those in Cambodia, could have been significant.
The Case of Cambodian Civilizations
The Southeast Asian Plain civilization in Cambodia, for instance, offers a model for the low-lying plains of the Sunda Shelf. While the submerged land bridge would have presented significant challenges, the presence of similar low-lying plains in Cambodia suggests that the Sunda Shelf could have supported similar agricultural and cultural practices.
“Cambodia is an example of a Southeast Asian Plains civilization. How good a model is this for the lowlying plains of the Sunda Shelf?”
The study of Cambodian and other Southeast Asian civilizations provides valuable insights into the potential for advanced societies to thrive on low-lying plains. The comparison of these regions could help us understand the possible scenarios for a lost civilization on the Sunda Shelf, whether in terms of agricultural practices, trade networks, or sociopolitical structures.
While the likelihood of a great lost civilization thriving on the Sunda Shelf remains speculative, the example of Teotihuacan and the cultural and historical implications of maritime civilizations suggest that such a civilization is not entirely out of the question. Further research and archaeological discoveries will continue to shed light on this fascinating topic.