Remarkable recreations of the "hobbit," Neanderthal, and Homo erectus, breathes life into our human ancestors
In the upcoming documentary series "Human," viewers will be taken on a journey through human evolution, spanning the past 300,000 years. The series, which will premiere in the United Kingdom on Monday, July 14, on BBC Two, is set to air in the United States on September 17 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
Paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi serves as the presenter of the series, guiding audiences through a captivating exploration of human history. One of the series' most intriguing features is the use of four lifelike reconstructions of prehistoric humans.
These 3D models, developed using hundreds of cameras and digital stitching of actor images, bring ancient humans to life. The models are based on three species - Homo erectus, Homo floresiensis, and Neanderthals - and the earliest known H. sapiens specimen. One of the models represents a species often called "the hobbit," which, as an adult, was about the same height as a modern 4-year-old.
The anatomy of each ancient human individual was reflected in the 3D models, guided by the known fossil record. Skin and eye colour of the models were determined based on genetic studies of these ancient humans. For instance, the Neanderthal model features a light skin tone, as indicated by DNA evidence from genes linked to pigmentation.
One of the episodes will focus on a Stone Age woman who lived 10,500 years ago in Belgium. Another episode will showcase the story of a Neanderthal woman's face reconstruction. The series also includes 45 amazing facial reconstructions, including Stone Age shamans and King Tut.
The series takes a deep dive into the peopling of the Americas, exploring the migration that occurred during the Last Ice Age. At this time, the Bering Land Bridge formed due to sea level drops, creating a land connection between Asia and North America. Humans migrated across it from Siberia into North America around 15,000–20,000 years ago. Once in the Americas, they rapidly dispersed southward, reaching the southern tip of South America in a few millennia.
Migration routes likely included both inland ice-free corridors and coastal paths, still under study. Archaeological (stone tools) and genetic evidence link early Americans to Siberian ancestors but challenge some previous theories about migrations from Japan.
These early Homo sapiens remains exhibit a mix of modern and archaic features and suggest an earlier origin for our species than previously believed. The early Homo sapiens model in the series is based on fossils from Jebel Irhoud, Morocco, dated to about 300,000 years ago.
The series promises to be an enlightening exploration of human history, shedding light on the diverse origins of our species and the fascinating journey of our ancestors. The series will be available to stream at pbs.org/nova, NOVA on YouTube, and the PBS app in the United States. All episodes of the series will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer for U.K. residents only.
- The early Homo sapiens model, based on fossils found in Jebel Irhoud, Morocco, provides insight into the advancement of science, showing our species' evolution that began approximately 300,000 years ago.
- The series, delving into various medical-conditions and ancestral appearances, incorporates technology in creating lifelike reconstructions of prehistoric humans, thus opening a new dimension in space-and-astronomy, as seen in the explorations of human migration patterns and the peopling of the Americas.
