Anthropology
Remains of Child From Human Species That Lived 300,000 Years Ago Discovered
Scientists say the young Homo naledi was between 8-15 years old. Further research could determine whether the species was more ape-like or human-like in its maturation.
Researchers Discover 3,400-year-old Ballcourt in Mexican Highlands
Ballgames played an important role in the civilizations of ancient Central America.
Homo Erectus Used Variety of Stone Tools for Hundreds of Thousands of Years
Some researchers consider Homo erectus to be the immediate ancestor of our own species, Homo sapiens.
Ancient Humans in the Sahara Desert Were Feasting on Fish 10,000 Years Ago
"The quantity of fish we have found and studied are unprecedented in the central Sahara," researcher Savino di Lernia told Newsweek.
Ancient Food Eaten by Humans 65,000 Years Ago Discovered in Australia
The findings demonstrate that Australia's earliest known human population consumed a range of plant foods, including those that required processing.
Neanderthal Remains Uncovered at Famous 'Flower Burial' Site
"In recent years we have seen increasing evidence that Neanderthals were more sophisticated than previously thought," researcher Emma Pomeroy said.
Earliest Evidence of Facial Piercing in Africa Found in Ancient Skeleton
Researchers say the discovery shows the human body was used for social expression as much in the Pleistocene as it was today.
Neanderthals Collected Clam Shells From the Bottom of the Sea to Make Tools
Researchers also found evidence indicating that Neanderthals collected volcanic pumice stones.
Neanderthal Extinction Down to Inbreeding and "a Stroke of Bad Luck"
Computer simulations suggest Neanderthals were already on the brink of extinction and had been for hundreds of thousands of years when demographic fluctuations and inbreeding pushed them over the edge.
Music Is Universal, Used in 'Strikingly Similar Ways' Across the Globe
Researchers spent five years painstakingly creating a database which features music created by people around the world.
Study: Humans crossed the Mediterranean Earlier Than Previously Thought
Scientists discovered new evidence that the Greek island of Naxos was inhabited by Neanderthals and humans at least 200,000 years ago—tens of thousands of years earlier than previously believed
'Earliest Evidence' of Cannabis Smoking Found in Ancient Chinese Tomb
Humans have been cultivating the cannabis plant for thousands of years, but we know very little about when it was first used for its psychoactive properties.
Scientists Uncover Closest Old World Relative of Native Americans
The findings shed new light on the history of human migration in the region and the ancestry of the people who first settled the Americas.
Burials Reveal Settlements in Bolivia 10,000 Years Ago
"The finding of these sites extends by several millennia the history of human occupation of southwestern Amazonia," José Capriles said.
Mystery of Human Arrival in Madagascar Solved—Study
Researchers have been unable to agree when human settlement on the island began.
Neanderthals Provided Healthcare to Sick and Injured
Providing healthcare was a fundamental collaborative survival strategy for Neanderthals, according to researchers.
Oldest Evidence of Alcohol Production Found
Scientists found ancient residues of beer in stone mortars.
Maya Routinely Captured Jaguars and Pumas for Sacrifice
Wild animals played a significant role in ancient Mesoamerican culture.
Earliest Known Drawing Discovered in South African Cave
The "hashtag" predates the earliest previously known ancient abstract and figurative human drawings from Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia by at least 30,000 years.
Wearing Flashy Jewelry Is a Part of What Makes Us Human
"Decorating our bodies isn't just a trivial activity."
Easter Island's Society May Not Have Self-Destructed
The traditional narrative of the island's history suggests that the local people destroyed their own society through infighting and overexploitation of natural resources, while a new study suggests a society with a high level of collaboration.
5,300-year-old Mummy Reveals Secrets of Ancient Diets
Ötzi is the oldest naturally preserved ice mummy.
Mayans Used Chocolate for Money
These products would eventually go on to serve as universal currencies across the different Maya regions and were used to finance state activities, as well as household needs.
Ancient Wars May Have Decimated Y Chromosome Diversity
But brutal rulers like Genghis Khan could also be to blame.
New Evidence for How Humans First Came to America
Scientists have been pondering the Pacific Coast route for about 50 years as an alternative to the idea that humans sneaked past the ice further inland, to the east.
Human Bones Make For Terrific Daggers: Study
If you lived in New Guinea 100 years ago, that is.
Walking Upright Evolved at Least 3.6 Million Years Ago
Modern humans first emerged between 200,000 and 300,000 years ago.
Eyebrows May Have Played an Important Evolutionary Role
The ancestors of modern humans once had a very pronounced ridge on their brow, however, over time, our foreheads gradually became smoother and the eyebrows more visible and versatile.
90,000-Year-Old Finger Could Rewrite the Human Story
The fossil is 25,000 years older than traditional theories would expect.
Cro-Magnon Had Face Covered in Tumors
The disease this early man had still affects people today.