The First Humans
The Ancients2 Mar 2023

The First Humans

Where do humans come from? Or, perhaps more interestingly, who did humans evolve from? A question once posed by the likes of Charles Darwin and other early naturalists, the answer has changed throughout history. But now, thanks to advancements in archaeology and developments in genetics, we know more about our early ancestors than ever before. But what exactly makes us human, and who do we have to thank for these early evolutionary traits?


In this fascinating episode, Tristan travelled to London's Natural History Museum to chat with Professor Fred Spoor, a leading expert on the topic. Join them as they journey back millions of years to examine the earliest known hominids - from the Homohabilis, to early Homoerectus, and checking in on paranthropus and australopithecines along the way. Together they aim to ask the question, where exactly did humans come from?


For more Ancients content, subscribe to our Ancients newsletter here.


If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - enter promo code ANCIENTS for a free trial, plus 50% off your first three months' subscription.


To download, go to Android > or Apple store >

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episoder(609)

The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments

Did Moses really receive the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, or is that just ancient legend? Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Dylan Johnson to unpack how the Book of Exodus disagrees with Deuteronomy,...

7 Des 202556min

Origins of Chocolate

Origins of Chocolate

Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Cameron McNeil, Mesoamerican archaeologist, to explore cacao, in ancient Mesoamerican societies like the Maya, Aztecs, and Olmecs. They discuss how was used as food, dr...

4 Des 202544min

The Khmer Empire: Angkor Wat

The Khmer Empire: Angkor Wat

How did Indian culture shape the wonders of Southeast Asia?Tristan Hughes is joined by William Dalrymple to explore the fascinating first millennium AD, from vibrant trade dynamics with the Roman Empi...

30 Nov 202537min

The World's Oldest Letters

The World's Oldest Letters

What do the world’s first letters reveal about life in the Bronze Age?Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Amanda Podany to uncover the remarkable written culture of ancient Mesopotamia, when clay tablets c...

27 Nov 202555min

Emperor Tiberius: Monster or Misunderstood?

Emperor Tiberius: Monster or Misunderstood?

*WARNING: This podcast contains adult themes and discussion of paedophilia*A brilliant general. A brooding autocrat. A recluse surrounded by scandal. Few Roman emperors divide opinion like Tiberius. B...

23 Nov 202553min

Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism

A faith born in the distant prehistoric past, rooted in ancient Iranian texts over 4,000 years old, Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest living religions. and one that shaped empires.In this ep...

20 Nov 20251h

Decline & Fall of the Ancient World

Decline & Fall of the Ancient World

Tristan Hughes invites Matt Lewis, host The Ancients's sister podcast Gone Medieval, for a lively debate with about the blurred boundary between the ancient and medieval worlds. Can Tristan champion R...

16 Nov 202546min

Roman Toilets

Roman Toilets

They built roads, aqueducts, and bathhouses but what about toilets?Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Hannah Platts, to uncover the surprisingly fascinating world of Roman toilets, faeces and sewers. From...

13 Nov 20251h 3min

Populært innen Historie

rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
rss-katastrofe
historier-som-endret-norge
henrettelsespodden
sektledere
aftenposten-historie
rss-benadet
med-egne-oyne
historier-som-endret-verden
rss-nadelose-nordmenn-gestapo
rss-strid-de-norske-borgerkrigene
historiepodden-ww2
rss-gamle-greier
rss-frontkjemperne
historiepodden
liberal-halvtime
rss-politisk-preik
rss-historiepodden-ww2
vare-historier
rss-historiske-romanser-svik-drap-og-kjarlighet