On the Quest for Human Origins
World-renowned scientist and paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson, the discoverer of "Lucy", speaks about the quest and journey of human evolution.
The names "Donald Johanson" and "Lucy" are now household names in the world of human evolution. Dr. Johanson's discovery of the fossilized, 3.2 million-year-old Australopithecus afarensis skeleton (nick-named "Lucy") in 1974 at Hadar in the Afar region of Ethiopia shook the field of paleoanthropology and human origins research and established a new standard, a benchmark species against which new-found species are still measured. He is perhaps the most sought-after and quoted scientist in the field, despite the fact that major new discoveries and theories have arguably eclipsed the impact and sensation of the Lucy discovery and the evolutionary paradigm that it represented. In this video lecture, Dr. Johanson relates the journey of human evolution both in terms of the finds and what they mean and the historic path that the quest for human origins has taken. [Note: The first 6.5 minutes consists of opening introductory remarks before Dr. Johanson even reaches the podium. Viewers who have no interest in introductory remarks may skip directly to Dr. Johanson's lecture].
More Featured Articles
Stones That Speak: New Archaeological Clues to the Kingdoms of David and Solomon
Recent archaeological discoveries may lend new credence to the historicity of the kingdoms of David and Solomon.
From the Sands of Egypt
The discovery of the world's largest trove of ancient writings has opened an unparalleled window on a vanished world.
El Pilar: Archaeology Under the Canopy
Pioneering work at an ancient Maya center advances a new paradigm for sustainability.
The Bones of Ol Pejeta: Clues to the Past
Two scientists relate how bones on an African landscape are giving us clues to our distant past.




Researched and written by Spanish colonial coin expert
A community that offers up-to-date archaeology news, event listings, archaeology field school and archaeological site repertories, forums, blogs, profiles, and an online archaeology store. The ArchaeologicalBox.com facilitates interaction between members who share a common interest: archaeology!