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A revolution in archaeology, anthropology and palaeogenetics is underway, upending our understanding of the 300,000-year history of our species, Homo sapiens, and the evolution of our ancient hominin ancestors and relatives. Unravel the mysteries of human evolution and what it means to be human today with our in-depth analysis and coverage.
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Humans

Test your brain with this fiendish set of museum-themed puzzles

Work your way through the exhibits of a mysterious museum, solving brain-twisting puzzles as you go. Then add your answers together to find the overall solution

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Question mark of gifts on a green background. The question of what to present for the new year. The concept of what to choose a gift.; Shutterstock ID 768612346; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

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What makes the best sounding didgeridoo, according to science

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A man playing a digeridoo

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The US needs to do more to preserve its ancient sites

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The US needs to do more to preserve its ancient sites
Stonehenge science: How archaeology reveals the stone circle's secrets

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Stonehenge science: How archaeology reveals the stone circle's secrets

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Vaping vs edibles: How does the way we use cannabis alter its effects?

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Traces of cannabis found in pre-modern human bones for the first time

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Users may feel cannabis boosts their creativity

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People feel more creative after using cannabis – they aren't

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Did Homo naledi bury its dead? Debate rages over human relative

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Not to be used in museums, exhibitions, or articles about Elisabeth Daynes or the Atelier Daynes. No use in any context outside of mainstream science without the express permission of Atelier Daynes. Front covers or private use require clearance. Mandatory credit. Paranthropus boisei model. Reconstruction of a specimen of Paranthropus boisei. This hominin, which is sometimes classified as Australopithecus boisei, lived from 2.3 to 1.2 million years ago in eastern Africa. P. boisei is one of several extinct species that form an early part of the human evolutionary tree. Reconstruction by Elisabeth Daynes of the Daynes Studio, Paris, France. MANDATORY CREDIT.

Humans

How did Paranthropus, the last of the ape-people, survive for so long?

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Why so many prehistoric monuments were painted red

Megaliths, or huge stones, were used for thousands of years to build monuments, and they were far more colourful than you might think – the most common pigments used to decorate them came from reddish cinnabar and ochre

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RGAJ63 Caveman painting in a cave

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How archaeologists can decide if prehistoric artefacts count as art

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The Makapansgat pebble is seen on display as part of the exhibition "South Africa: the Art of a Nation", at the British Museum in London, Britain November 25, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Heavens FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY - LR1ECBP1AXUYC

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The archaeological finds that show art is far older than our species

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An elderly woman participates in a Marijuana liberation march in Poland

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Cannabis use is on the rise in the US – except among younger teens

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The skulls shows signs of healing within the walls of the fracture lines, inflicted by a blunt force injury

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Skull shows man survived surgery to ease brain pressure 2700 years ago

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