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Humans

A revolution in archaeology, anthropology and palaeogenetics is underway, upending our understanding of the 300,000-year history of our species, Homo sapiens, and the evolution of our ancient hominin ancestors and relatives. Unravel the mysteries of human evolution and what it means to be human today with our in-depth analysis and coverage.
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Humans

How did Paranthropus, the last of the ape-people, survive for so long?

Paranthropus was an ape-like hominin that lived on in a world dominated by big-brained early humans. Recent archaeological discoveries, like stone tools, are revealing how they lived

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Not to be used in museums, exhibitions, or articles about Elisabeth Daynes or the Atelier Daynes. No use in any context outside of mainstream science without the express permission of Atelier Daynes. Front covers or private use require clearance. Mandatory credit. Paranthropus boisei model. Reconstruction of a specimen of Paranthropus boisei. This hominin, which is sometimes classified as Australopithecus boisei, lived from 2.3 to 1.2 million years ago in eastern Africa. P. boisei is one of several extinct species that form an early part of the human evolutionary tree. Reconstruction by Elisabeth Daynes of the Daynes Studio, Paris, France. MANDATORY CREDIT.

Humans

Why so many prehistoric monuments were painted red

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How archaeologists can decide if prehistoric artefacts count as art

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RGAJ63 Caveman painting in a cave
The Makapansgat pebble is seen on display as part of the exhibition "South Africa: the Art of a Nation", at the British Museum in London, Britain November 25, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Heavens FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY - LR1ECBP1AXUYC

Humans

The archaeological finds that show art is far older than our species

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An elderly woman participates in a Marijuana liberation march in Poland

Humans

Cannabis use is on the rise in the US – except among younger teens

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The skulls shows signs of healing within the walls of the fracture lines, inflicted by a blunt force injury

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Skull shows man survived surgery to ease brain pressure 2700 years ago

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Earliest known war in Europe was a Stone Age conflict 5000 years ago

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Humans caught more diseases after we domesticated animals

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People around Europe have eaten seaweed for thousands of years

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A site used by ancient humans was also a latrine for giant hyenas

Stone tools, mammal bones and fossilised faeces hint that hominins and hyenas scavenged for food at the same place 1.4 million years ago

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The Greek word for purple, extracted from a Herculaneum scroll

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Student uses AI to decipher word in ancient scroll from Herculaneum

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Early humans lived in Ethiopian highlands 2 million years ago

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Neanderthals hunted cave lions with spears and made use of their pelts

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Mysterious Viking queen may have helped unify Denmark in the 900s

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