- The first appearance of humans occurred about 2.5 million years ago with Homo habilis in Africa. Somewhat apelike in appearance, the Homo habilis had a skull that was roughly half the size of those of modern humans and very long arms.
- The Homo erectus coexisted with the Homo habilis until they died out about 1.5 million years ago. The Homo erectus began using basic stone tools, heralding the beginning of the Paleolithic era, and beginning the migration that led humanity from Africa and around the world.
- During this time period, numerous humanlike people existed, including the Homo georgicus in Russia, the Homo heidelbergensis in Italy, and the Homo antecessor, the genetic link between Neanderthal and modern humans
- The first-known Neanderthal evolved in Europe about 600,000 years ago. Along with further development of stone tools, the Neanderthals are also credited with the advent of musical instruments and wood tools. No Neanderthal remains have been found that are any newer than 30,000 years old, when they were presumed to have died out.
- Cro-Magnum refers to the grouping of people whose time period overlapped with the Neanderthal. Currently, some scientists believe that Cro-Magnum were similar enough to modern man that they shouldn't be grouped separately, while others think that the difference warrants distinction and a link between Neanderthal and modern humans. Often referred to as Upper Paleolithic people, the Cor-Magnum were shorter in stature than modern man, and carried technology further. Through discovery of burial methods, scientists infer that Cro-Magnum developed religions and social systems about 60,000 years ago. Their evolution to the modern human was slow and difficult to mark, but it is generally accepted that Cro Magnum gave way to modern man about 30,000 years ago.
