Archaic humans

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A number of varieties of Homo are grouped into the broad category of archaic humans, contrasted with modern humans (Homo sapiens), in the period beginning 500,000 years ago. This category typically includes Homo heidelbergensis, Homo rhodesiensis, Homo neanderthalensis, and may also include Homo antecessor.[1]


Anatomically modern humans appear from about 200,000 years ago and after 70,000 years ago (see Toba catastrophe theory) gradually marginalize the "archaic" varieties. Non-modern varieties of Homo are certain to have survived until after 30,000 years ago, and perhaps until as recent as 10,000 years ago. Which of these, if any, are included under the term "archaic human" is a matter of definition and varies among authors. Nonetheless, according to recent genetic studies, modern humans may have bred with "at least two groups" of ancient humans: Neanderthals and Denisovans.[3] Other studies have cast doubt on admixture being the source of the shared genetic markers between archaic and modern humans, pointing to an ancestral origin of the traits originating 500,000 to 800,000 years ago.[4][5][6]

New evidence suggests another group may also have been extant as recently as 11,500 years ago, the Red Deer Cave people of China.[7] However, Chris Stringer of the Natural History Museum in London has suggested that these people could be a result of mating between Denisovans and modern humans.[8] Other scientists remain even more skeptical, suggesting that the unique features are within the variations expected for human populations.[9]

Terminology and definition[edit]



The dividing lines that separate modern humans from archaic Homo sapiens and archaics from Homo erectus are unclear. The earliest known fossils of anatomically modern humans such as the Omo remains from 195,000 years ago, Homo sapiens idaltu from 160,000 years ago, and Qafzeh remains from 90,000 years ago are recognizably modern humans. However, these early modern humans do exhibit a mix of some archaic traits, such as moderate, but not prominent, brow ridges.

Brain size expansion[edit]


Origin of language[edit]

Robin Dunbar has argued that archaic humans were the first to use language. Based on his analysis of the relationship between brain size and hominid group size, he concluded that because archaic humans had large brains, they must have lived in groups of over 120 individuals. Dunbar argues that it was not possible for Hominids to live in such large groups without using language, otherwise there could be no group cohesion and the group would disintegrate. By comparison, chimpanzees live in smaller groups of up to 50 individuals.[12][13]


See also[edit]


  2. ^ Companion encyclopedia of archaeology
  4. ^ [1]
  5. ^
  6. ^ [2]
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference NG was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Alone in the Universe
  11. ^

External links[edit]