Human Origins History vs Pre-History History is the study of written records Pre-History is the study of everything that came before the written language (3000 BCE, roughly) Anthropology-Study of ancient artifacts to determine the nature of ancient cultures Archeology-The study of ancient sites in an attempt to discover new artifacts

Earliest Human Ancestors In 1978 3.6 million year-old footprints of a human ancestor were discovered in Tanzania In 1974 a 3.5 million year-old skeleton name Lucy was discovered in Ethiopia These early relatives of humans were called Australopithecus Early humans were walking upright at that time (Hominids) Walking upright afforded several advantages

The Stone Age Old Stone Age (Paleolithic period) spanned from 2,500,000 BCE-10,000 BCE During this period early humans invented tools, mastered fire, and created spoken language Homo Habilus (Skilled Man) appeared about 2.5 Million Years ago, and made the first stone tools (like the hand-axe). Eventually edged out Australopithecus Homo Erectus (Upright Man) appeared 1.6 Million Years ago; had larger brains then Homo Habilus. Developed more advanced tools for digging and cutting, developed the earliest spoken languages (great for teamwork and sharing ideas), and were the first humans to migrate out of Africa

The Dawn of Modern Humans Neanderthals Offshoot of Homo-Erectus (not a direct ancestor of humans) Lived from 200,000-30,000 Years Ago Developed religious beliefs, made musical instruments, and held rituals (including funerals) Vanished about 30,000 years ago, probably pushed to extinction by early humans

The Dawn of Modern Humans Cro-Magnon Man Emerged about 40,000 Years ago Developed from Homo Erectus, but with larger brains Identical to modern humans Made new tools, created art, used language and big brains to plan more effective hunts Cooperation and strategy gave them an edge over Neanderthals