According to the archaeological and genetic record, some 200,000 years ago the first anatomically and behaviorally modern humans emerged in Africa. Tens of thousands of years later, they migrated out of Africa to eventually colonize the entire planet. How and when did they do this and what was it about this species of human that made it ultimately successful, while other human species became extinct? A televised documentary explores these questions through an examination of the fossil and archaeological record as well as the latest genetic research. It also explores the fascinating recent revelations touching on the evidence that modern humans met and interbred with other human species in the prehistoric past, suggesting the possibility that this mixing helped modern humans survive and thrive as a hybrid of other species.
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Above: Still screenshot from video preview (see YouTube video below)
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The documentary, entitled The First Peoples, airs Wednesdays beginning June 24 at 9:00/8:00 central time on PBS. More information can be found at the documentary website.
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Read more in-depth articles about archaeology with a premium subscription to Popular Archaeology Magazine.
In addition, the latest Popular Archaeology ebook is now available.
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Popular Archaeology’s annual Discovery Edition eBook is a selection of the best stories published in Popular Archaeology Magazine in past issues, with an emphasis on some of the most significant, groundbreaking, or fascinating discoveries in the fields of archaeology and paleoanthropology and related fields. At least some of the articles have been updated or revised specifically for the Discovery edition. We can confidently say that there is no other single issue of an archaeology-related magazine, paper print or online, that contains as much major feature article content as this one. The latest issue, volume 2, has just been released. Go to the Discovery edition page for more information.
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