The Year in Human Origins

Ancient computers, evolving the perfect canoe, the "hobbit" smackdown, and more.

Dec 28, 2008 6:00 AMNov 12, 2019 5:47 AM

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#8: Cavemen: They're Just Like UsNeanderthals were a sophisticated bunch, according to new research.

#10: Coming to the AmericasSeveral studies sharpen the picture of life and migration through the Arctic and into the New World.

#15: The Lost Cities of the AmazonWhat is now sparsely populated jungle held large urban settlements hundreds of years ago.

#42: Geneticists Uncover the Origin of Blue EyesA single genetic mutation gives life to baby blues.

#66: Natural Selection Helped Indonesians Find the Perfect CanoeDarwinian-style evolution pushes cultural change, a new paper argues.

#76: Europe’s Oldest Hominid Makes Its DebutArchaeologists in Spain uncover the remains of a 1.2-million-year-old human.

#77: X-Rays Reveal Ship-Wreckage to Be 2,000-Year-Old Astronomy Computer The Antikythera Mechanism tracked heavenly movements like clockwork.

#84: 9,000-Year-Old Milk Cartons FoundA new study examines the world's oldest cattle ranchers.

#85: Smackdown Over Ancient "Hobbit" ContinuesA mysterious skeleton puzzles scientists who wonder if it was human.

#89: Archaeologists Find the World’s Oldest Arrowheads While others were still hurling spears, these ancient people were felling prey with arrows.

#96: Ancient Traders Sailed the South American SeasUsing no more than sail-bearing rafts, these travelers carried goods almost 4,000 miles.

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