<p>Sometimes described as a 'phantom population', because so little is known about them, the first settlers across the arid interior of Australia are coming to life through a research project which is systematically documenting and dating cultural sites. The researchers say the evidence is very strong that people lived in even the most difficult landscapes well over 50,000 years ago.</p><ul><li>Guest: Peter Veth, ARC Laureate Professor of Archaeology at the University of Western Australia, leading a multi-party long term research project on the ancient desert people of Australia</li><li>Producer: Ann Arnold</li></ul>