Stone Age
2 recorded milestones at this point in the record.
Hearths at Wonderwerk and Gesher Benot Ya'aqov show deliberately maintained fire.
Why it mattered
Cooking unlocked calories, extended the day, warmed the north and centred social life on the hearth.
Remains of at least 28 individuals at Sima de los Huesos in Atapuerca, Spain, show early Neanderthal-lineage features.
Why it mattered
Preserves the oldest human DNA yet recovered, linking these people to the Neanderthal line.
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Southern Africa
Central Europe
Europe and western Asia
Africa and Eurasia
East Africa
North Africa