New research on a fossilized skull from Hubei Province suggests that Homo sapiens may have emerged at least half a million years earlier than previously believed.
A fossilized skull found in China, dated to approximately one million years ago, may change our understanding of human history. The find was long thought to belong to Homo erectus, but the results of new computer modeling and genetic analysis indicate its affiliation with *Homo longi*—a sister species to both Neanderthals and modern humans.
The study, published in the journal Science with the participation of scientists from Fudan University and the Natural History Museum in London, suggests that Homo sapiens may have existed as far back as a million years ago, rather than 300,000 years ago, as previously asserted.
“We checked the results multiple times and are now confident: this discovery changes our understanding of human evolution,” stated Professor Xijun Ni, one of the leaders of the work.
According to Professor Chris Stringer from the Natural History Museum, the study’s conclusions may explain the so-called “muddle in the middle”—numerous finds dating from 800,000 to 100,000 years ago that are difficult to classify. The new timeline allows these to be viewed as primitive forms or subgroups of the three main branches of humanity: *Homo sapiens*, Neanderthals, and *Homo longi*.
Scientists believe that these species may have coexisted and even interbred for nearly a million years. However, some specialists urge caution, noting that dating the remains and their interpretation remain an extremely complex task.
