Early Homo
Homo erectus
1.9–0.11 Ma·1.79 Ma·Discovered 1891
Description
The "Java Man" of Eugène Dubois. First hominin to leave Africa. Survived until ~110,000 years ago in Indonesia.
Notable facts
- Persisted as a species for nearly 2 million years
- Reached Java (Indonesia) and possibly Flores
- Probable systematic fire user
- Dmanisi (Georgia) fossils are the oldest outside Africa
Key specimens
Trinil 2
"Java Man"
Skullcap and femur found by Eugène Dubois in 1891 at Trinil, Java. The first H. erectus.
Sangiran 17
Most complete Java cranium
Adult male cranium from Sangiran, Indonesia.
Peking Man
Zhoukoudian specimens
Multiple individuals found near Beijing, China. Originals lost during WWII.
Dmanisi crania
Five Dmanisi skulls
1.8 Ma fossils from Georgia, oldest H. erectus outside Africa.
Anatomy
Thick cranial bones, low forehead, prominent brow ridge.
Locomotion
Modern bipedal, capable of long-distance travel.
Diet
Meat-rich, cooked food likely.
Tools & culture
Acheulean tools, control of fire (Wonderwerk, Zhoukoudian).
Where to see it
Multiple — major collections in Indonesia, China, Tanzania, Kenya.
Media & references
Image ·
Wikimedia Commons · Wikipedia article