First Peoples

First Peoples is a documentary about the migration of Homo sapiens through the continents. It was released in 2015 on PBS. Each episode features scientist talking about the fossil record and recent genetic discoveries, that help us understand how our ancestors trekked to every continent and conquered the globe. Many archeologists and anthropologist from all around the world are included in the show.

Episodes/Synopisis

1. Americas: Focuses on Kennewick man and Clovis culture.
2. Africa: Traces the oldest fossils of species in Africa.
3. Asia: Tells the story of humans in Asia and the species Homo erectus.
4. Australia: Features the Mungo Man and other fossils of Australia.
5. Europe: Talks about Homo sapiens interactions with Neanderthals in Europe.

Summary

Episode one starts in America, the question is who were the first Americans? It has a lengthy talk about fossils of early America, including the Eve of Naharon and Kennewick man. It also talks about Clovis people and technology.

In episode two Africa we delve into the world of the first Homo sapiens. The show claims that the Omo 1 remains are the oldest African homo sapiens remains, which is no longer true. They oldest remains are now believed to be the Jebel Irhoud cranium.

Asia is the focus of episode three, the show talks about homo sapiens interactions with species such as Homo erectus.

In the fourth episode "Australia" we earn about the first Australians, and about the oldest fossil of a human in Australia, Mungo Man. We learn about how trade systems were vital in keeping the Australians alive.

The last episodes focus is Europe and the Neanderthals, and questions why we survived and they died out. It also talks about the Oase skulls.

Species Featured

1. Homo erectus
2. "Homo rhodesiensis"
3. Homo neanderthalensis
4. Mammoth
5. Mastodon
6. Homo sapiens

Gallery

The shows title.

A Neanderthal.

Homo erectus.