1. The Advent of Man

2. The Beginning of Mankind Australopithecus afarensis – “Lucy” This group of hominids lived 5 and a half million years ago in east Africa The skeleton of one was found in Ethiopia She is now known as Lucy From her skeleton we know she walked upright. She could be one of our earliest ancestors!

3. Homo Habilis Around 2 million years ago Homo Habilis lived in Africa. They were probably the first hominids that made tools. They foraged for nuts and berries to eat. Their name means ‘Handy Man’

4. Homo ergaster Homo ergaster first appeared around 1.9 million years ago. They were the first hominid species to migrate out of Africa. Fossil remains have been discovered in Africa, Indonesia and Asia. Homo ergaster looked much more like us than apes! They were omnivores and used tools to get their food. They were also the first hominids to use fire!

5. Homo heidelbergensis The earliest fossil of heidelbergensis was found in Ethiopia dating from 600,000 years ago. They are probably ancestors to both Neanderthals and modern humans. Heidelberg man has been found throughout East Africa and Europe. They were probably the first hominid to colonize colder climates. The most well known in this country is the Boxgrove man. They were very good toolmakers! There is evidence they were the first hominids to live in crudely made shelters.

6. Neanderthal Man They lived from 230,000 years until about 28,000 ago during the glacial periods. They were found throughout Eurasia. They were very skilled makers of tools and were very good hunters. They cooked their food and made clothes for themselves.

7. Homo sapiens Homo sapiens were the first true humans.Homo sapiens were the first true humans. Homo sapiens came from east Africa around 150,000 years ago.Homo sapiens came from east Africa around 150,000 years ago. They replaced Neanderthals.They replaced Neanderthals. They used sophisticated tools made from bone, ivory, stone and wood.They used sophisticated tools made from bone, ivory, stone and wood. European Homo sapiens are known as Cro-Magnons.European Homo sapiens are known as Cro-Magnons. They created spectacular paintings on cave walls.They created spectacular paintings on cave walls. Homo sapiens had spiritual and ritual beliefs.Homo sapiens had spiritual and ritual beliefs.