The early humans are commonly referred to as Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and Neanderthals, depending on the specific time period and region in which they lived.
Homo habilis, known as the ‘handy man,’ was one of the first species in the Homo genus and is believed to have lived around 2.4 to 1.4 million years ago. They were known for their ability to make and use tools.
Homo erectus, which lived from approximately 1.9 million years ago to as recently as 110,000 years ago, is known for having a larger brain and for being one of the first to leave Africa. They were adept hunters and gatherers, utilizing more sophisticated tools and possibly even harnessing fire.
Neanderthals, or Homo neanderthalensis, lived between about 400,000 and 40,000 years ago, primarily in Europe and parts of Asia. They adapted well to cold climates and were skilled in crafting tools, as well as exhibiting behaviors that suggest a social structure, including burial rituals.
The term ‘early humans’ broadly encompasses these and other hominin species that played a crucial role in the evolution of modern humans, leading to the diverse societies we see today.