ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

2017 is turning out to be the year of discovery on the origin of man in Africa

These discoveries would change many theories and concepts about the history of humanity.

Africa is the birth place of mankind

In 2017, there are three discoveries that may put an end to the debate of the actual birthplace of mankind. These discoveries are listed below.

1. The Discovery of Homo Naledi - An Ancient Human Species, South Africa

An ancient human species – Homo Naledi, was found in a cave in Johannesburg, South Africa. About 15 hominids were exhumed from Rising Star cave at the “Cradle of Humanity” archaeological site. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The discovery was made by Lee Berger, a researcher at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. He is an Eagle Scout and National Geographic explorer-in-residence.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We’ve found a most remarkable creature. I am delighted to present a new species of the human race,” said Lee Berger.

Though the discovery was made between 2013 and 2014. But the new species was baptized Homo Naldi and announced by the National Geographic in May 2017.

2. The discovery of six Mummies near the Valleys of Kings, Egypt

Egyptian archaeologists found new six mummies in a 3500-year-old tomb in the city of Luxor. This discovery was made near the Valley of the Kings, a site for tombs of the Pharaohs and powerful nobles of the ancient Egyptian empire.

Khaled al-Anani, Egypt’s Minister of Antiquities said during a visit to the site: “It’s an important discovery, and it’s not over.”

ADVERTISEMENT

“There are about six mummies, but there are other fragments indicating that there could be more in the future,” Al-Anani said.

Archaeological research has proved to be more fruitful in Egypt. In March 2017, a team of Spanish archaeologists also discovered a vast ancient tomb in the city of Aswan.

3. The discovery of oldest Fossils of Homo Sapiens, Morocco

A team of archaeologists led by Jean-Jacques Hublin and Abdelouahed Ben-Ncer discovered the oldest Homo sapiens in Jebel Irhoud, Morroco.

Jean-Jacques is of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany. while Abdelouahed works for the National Institute of Archeology and Heritage of Rabat, Morocco.

ADVERTISEMENT

The fossils found dated back to about 300,000 ago, and confirm the narrative that Africa is the origin of our species (Homo sapiens).

“We have grown accustomed to thinking that the cradle of modern humans can be located in East Africa 200,000 years ago, but our work shows unambiguously that Homo sapiens were probably already present on the whole of the African continent 300,000 years ago,” Jean-Jacques Hublin remarked.

This discovery was made in June 2017.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT