Emergence of Sahelanthropus tchadensis
Sahelanthropus tchadensis, one of the earliest known hominins, lived around 7 million years ago in what is now Chad. This species is significant for its potential role in the early stages of human evolution.
7 million years ago
4.4 million years ago
Ardipithecus ramidus
Ardipithecus ramidus, an early hominin species, lived around 4.4 million years ago in Ethiopia. This species provides insights into the early adaptations of bipedalism and arboreal life.
3.2 million years ago
Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis)
The discovery of "Lucy," a 3.2-million-year-old Australopithecus afarensis skeleton in Ethiopia, provided crucial evidence of bipedalism in early hominins.
2.4 million years ago
Appearance of Homo habilis
Homo habilis, known as "handy man," appeared around 2.4 million years ago. This species is one of the earliest members of the genus Homo and is associated with the use of simple stone tools.
1.8 million years ago
Homo erectus
Homo erectus emerged around 1.8 million years ago and is notable for its use of more advanced tools and its ability to migrate out of Africa, spreading to Asia and Europe.
300,000 years ago
Emergence of Homo sapiens
Homo sapiens, the species to which all modern humans belong, first appeared around 300,000 years ago in Africa. This species is characterized by a high degree of cognitive and cultural complexity.
70,000 years ago
Cognitive Revolution
Around 70,000 years ago, Homo sapiens experienced a cognitive revolution, marked by the development of complex language, art, and cultural practices.
10,000 BCE
Agricultural Revolution
The Agricultural Revolution began around 10,000 BCE, leading to the domestication of plants and animals, the establishment of permanent settlements, and the rise of complex societies.
3500 BCE
Invention of Writing
The invention of writing systems, such as cuneiform in Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE, enabled the recording of history, laws, and administrative details, significantly advancing human civilization.
500 BCE
Classical Antiquity
The period of Classical Antiquity saw the rise of influential civilizations such as Ancient Greece and Rome, which contributed significantly to art, philosophy, science, and governance.
476 CE
Fall of the Western Roman Empire
The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE marked the end of ancient Rome's dominance and the beginning of the Middle Ages in Europe.
1492
Christopher Columbus' Voyage
Christopher Columbus' voyage in 1492, sponsored by Spain, led to the European discovery of the Americas, initiating widespread exploration and colonization.
1776
American Declaration of Independence
The American Declaration of Independence in 1776 marked the birth of the United States of America and the spread of democratic ideals.
1969
Moon Landing
In 1969, NASA's Apollo 11 mission successfully landed humans on the Moon, with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin becoming the first humans to walk on its surface.
2024
Human Technological Advancements
By 2024, humans have made significant advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space exploration, continuing to shape the future of human civilization.
