Human Ancestors May Date Back 2.3 Million Years, Study Suggests

New archaeological research suggests that some of humanity’s earliest ancestors may have lived as far back as 2.3 million years ago, pushing deeper into the origins of human evolution.

Fossil and stone tool evidence discovered in Ethiopia indicates early members of the genus Homo habilis were already developing tool-making skills and adaptive survival strategies during this period.

Scientists say these findings help bridge the evolutionary gap between earlier hominins and later species such as Homo erectus, highlighting Africa’s key role as the cradle of human evolution.

The discovery reinforces the idea that humanity’s story began far earlier — and evolved more gradually — than once believed.