The age of the oldest fossils in eastern Africa widely recognised as representing our species, Homo sapiens, has long been uncertain. Now, dating of a massive volcanic eruption in Ethiopia reveals they are much older than previously thought.
Robert Foley (Department of Archaeology and Anthropology) discusses the cumulative processes by which we became human.
A student-led conference to be webcast live will ask, in light of recent research, whether the story of human origin is radically different from established thinking, and what that might mean for everything from genetics to the birth of culture.
From the earliest modern humans to the present day, our species has evolved dramatically in both biological and behavioural terms. What forces prompted these momentous changes?
Research indicates the out-of-Africa spread of humans was dictated by the appearance of favourable climatic windows.
Volume of modern humans infiltrating Europe cited as critical factor in the demise of the Neanderthals.
© 2024 University of Cambridge