Human evolution was never a simple straight line.

In this video, we explore 10 early hominins that transformed our understanding of human origins — from Sahelanthropus and Ardipithecus to Homo erectus, Neanderthals, and finally Homo sapiens. Discover the fossils, ancient DNA, stone tools, and archaeological evidence that reveal a complex world where multiple human lineages once walked the Earth.

Each discovery raises new questions about when our ancestors first walked upright, made tools, left Africa, controlled fire, and interacted with other human species.

The deeper we search into our prehistoric past, the more mysterious the story of humanity becomes.