The first humans: a long time ago!

The first ancient humans, called Hominins, lived around 6 to 7 million years ago. That sounds like a long time, but it is actually just a small part of Earth’s history, especially compared to dinosaurs, who ruled the planet for about 252 million years!

One important discovery was made in Africa, where scientists found the skull of an early human. It was discovered by Mary Leakey, the wife of famous scientist Dr. Lous Leakey, and it was about 1.75 million years old!

Ancient Human Cultures

Over the past 7 million years, there have been several types of ancient humans. Here are some of the most important:

HomO Erectus

Lived: About 600,00 years ago

Brain Size: 1,250cc

Fun fact: They might have been the first to build shelters

Neanderthals

Lived: 430,000 to 40,000 years ago

Brain Size: 1,700 cc ( the biggest of all ancient humans!)

Fun fact: Neanderthals didn’t completely disappear/ When Neanderthals and early humans met tens of thousands of years ago, they had children together. Because of that, most people alive today still carry a small amount of Neanderthal DNA in their genes. There have been many artifacts found so we know it is possible that there were once millions of Neanderthals!

Modern Humans ( Homo sapiens)

Still here today!

Average Brain Size 1,350 cc

Fun Fact: Even though our brains aren’t the largest, we have developed the most advanced languages, tools, and art.

Does a larger brain mean smarter?

Not always! Even though Neanderthals had larger brains than us, that doesn’t mean they were smarter.

Intelligence depends on how the brain is structured and used, not just its size.

Fun fact: Ancient humans weren;t all the same. Different groups created their own tools, art, and ways of living. Archeologists call these unique traditions “cultures,” and just like today, there were many of them!