First Peoples

See how the mixing of prehistoric human genes led the way for our species to survive and thrive around the globe. Archaeology, genetics and anthropology cast new light on 200,000 years of history, detailing how early humans became dominant.

Mon, May 20 2:00 P.M. Americas     NH World (11.3)

As humans spread out across the world, their toughest challenge was to colonize the Americas -- because of a huge ice sheet blocking their route.

Mon, May 20 3:00 P.M. Africa     NH World (11.3)

200,000 years ago, a new species appeared on the African landscape -- Homo sapiens.

Mon, May 20 4:00 P.M. Asia     NH World (11.3)

What happened when we expanded out of Africa and into Asia -- where did we go and whom did they meet along the way? The latest evidence suggests we left far earlier than previously thought and interbred with a newly-discovered type of ancient human -- the Denisovans.

Tue, May 21 2:00 P.M. Australia     NH World (11.3)

When Homo sapiens arrived in Australia, they were - for the first time - truly alone, surrounded by wildly different flora and fauna.

Tue, May 21 3:00 P.M. Europe     NH World (11.3)

When Homo sapiens turned up in prehistoric Europe, they ran into the Neanderthals.


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