200,000 years ago we took our first steps on the African savanna. Today there are 7 billion of us living across planet Earth. How did our ancestors beat the odds?
This is a global detective story, featuring new fossil finds and the latest genetic research. It’s a story that revolves around a shocking revelation. In prehistoric times, we met and mated with other types of human – like Neanderthals, Denisovans and Homo erectus. This mixing of genes helped us survive – and ultimately thrive.
“Americas” – Learn why an underwater discovery in Mexico may rewrite the story of early migration to the Americas. Colonization was a challenge because a huge ice sheet blocked the route. It’s now believed that humans arrived in the Americas by boat, not on foot. Series: See how the mixing of prehistoric human genes led the way for our species to survive and thrive around the globe. Archaeology, genetics and anthropology cast new light on 200,000 years of history, detailing how early humans became dominant.
Tuesday, March 28, 3:00 pm
“Africa” – Examine research that suggests humans evolved in many places across Africa at the same time. The idea is that our ancestors met, mated and hybridized with other human types on the continent — creating ever greater diversity within our species.
Wednesday, March 29, 3:00 pm
“Asia” – Discover the ancient humans living across Asia when Homo sapiens arrived. Our ancestors mated with them, and their genes found a home within our DNA. More than that, they’ve helped us face down extinction.
Thursday, March 30, 2023, 3:00 pm
“Australia” – Learn how Homo sapiens, newly arrived in Australia – where they were truly alone for the first time, surrounded by wildly different flora and fauna – survived and populated a continent.
Friday, March 31, 2023, 3:00 pm
“Europe” – Find out why Homo sapiens in prehistoric Europe prevailed over our genetically similar cousins, the Neanderthals, with whom they interbred. Learn what caused the Neanderthals’ extinction.
Saturday, April 1, 2023, 3:00 pm