maps that tell stories

OLDEST HUMAN EVIDENCE

Art, tools, and anatomically modern human bones have been found at these sites, serving as proof of human existence thousands of years before the common era [CE].

The oldest remnants of modern humans date back to the Middle Paleolithic [Old Stone Age], more than 50,000 years.

The Upper Paleolithic finds were buried between 12,500 and 50,000 years ago and the Holocene artifacts were buried between 12,500 to 2,000 years ago.

Many factors complicate dating archaeological finds, resulting in disputed dates. Numbers are estimates based on scientific dating methods.


oldest remains discovered

Jebel Irhoud, Morocco: 254k – 379k years

Omo Kibish Formation, Ethiopia: 190k – 200k years

Misliya Cave, Israel: 177k – 195k years

Klasies River Caves, South Africa: 110k – 200k years

Singa, Sudan: 140k – 160k years

Jebel Faya, United Arab Emirates: 125k years

Aybut, Oman: 75k – 125k years

Katanda, DRC: 90k years

Fuyan Cave, China: 80k years

Haua Fteah, Libya: 65k – 80k years

Callao Cave, Luzon, Philippines: 67k years

Lida Ajer Cave, Sumatra, Indonesia: 63k – 73k years

S T A T S

Middle Paleolithic sites

14

Upper Paleolithic sites

32

Holocene sites

18

older than 100,000 years

7 sites

older than 50,000 years

15 sites