Archive of Human Genius

We are building the world’s largest database of social change milestones, from the first fire to today's good news. Change is not only possible, it has happened consistently throughout human history.

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~23,000 B.C.E. ??? ~23,000 B.C.E. ???

The San people settle in Southern Africa

The San peoples, also known as the Bushmen, are members of various indigenous hunter-gatherer groups that are the first nations of Southern Africa, and whose territories span Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and South Africa.

sergi ferrete zDanwjSATOI unsplash

~25,000 B.C.E. ??? ~25,000 B.C.E. ???

Humans settle in the Huns Mountains of modern-day Namibia

As early as 25 000 B.C., the first humans lived in the Huns Mountains in the South of Namibia. The painted stone plates that exist from that time not only prove that these settlements existed, they also belong among the oldest works of art in the world.

Mesoamerica english

~25,000 B.C.E ??? ~25,000 B.C.E ???

Humans migrate to Mesoamerica

It is currently unclear whether 21,000-year-old campfire remains found in the Valley of Mexico are the earliest human remains in Mexico.

px Clay tablet containing plan of Nippur Hilprecht EBL

~25,000 B.C.E. ??? ~25,000 B.C.E. ???

Humans invent maps, perhaps in modern day Czech Republic

A map-like representation of a mountain, river, valleys and routes around Pavlov in the Czech Republic has been dated to 25,000 BC.

Dolní Věstonice

~25,000 B.C.E. ??? ~25,000 B.C.E. ???

First permanent human settlement is built, perhaps in modern day Czech Republic

Approximately 25,000 years ago, during the Upper Paleolithic period of the Stone Age, a small settlement was founded on the site of what is now Dolní Věstonice.

Bradshaw rock paintings

~26,000 B.C.E ??? ~26,000 B.C.E ???

Aboriginal Australians begin their rock painting tradition, among the oldest art in the world

The oldest firmly dated rock art painting in Australia, dated at roughly 26,000 B.C., is a charcoal drawing on a rock fragment in the Narwala Gabarnmang rock shelter in the Northern Territory.

Woman carrying basket

~27,000 B.C.E. ??? ~27,000 B.C.E. ???

Humans invent baskets to gather and store valuables, perhaps in modern-day Eastern Europe

People used baskets as backpacks, as baby carriers, as cupboards, as plates and cups, as cradles, as birdcages, as measuring cups and as sandals, and to catch fish.

guido jansen Nz zAt qiuU unsplash

~29,000 B.C.E. ??? ~29,000 B.C.E. ???

Humans use ovens to cook meat possibly for first time in modern-day Czech Republic

Central Europe's prehistoric people would likely have been amused by today's hand-sized hamburgers and hot dogs, since archaeologists have just uncovered a 29,000 B.C. well-equipped kitchen where roasted gigantic mammoth was one of the last meals served.

Bhimbetka rock shelters

~30,000 B.C.E. ??? ~30,000 B.C.E. ???

Rock paintings tradition begins in Bhimbetka rock shelters in India

The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site in central India that spans the prehistoric paleolithic and mesolithic periods, as well as the historic period. It exhibits the earliest traces of human life on the Indian subcontinent and evidence of Stone Age starting at the site in Acheulian times.

tim boote IKoef Ukw unsplash

~30,000 B.C.E. ??? ~30,000 B.C.E. ???

Humans, perhaps in Europe, invent rope

Impressions of cordage found on fired clay provide evidence of string and rope-making technology in Europe dating back 28,000 years.

glenn carstens peters unsplash

~30,000 B.C.E. ??? ~30,000 B.C.E. ???

Humans migrate to and settle in the Eurasian Steppe

Cro-Magnon entered Eurasia by the Zagros Mountains around 50,000 years ago, with one group rapidly settling coastal areas around the Indian Ocean and another migrating north to the steppes of Central Asia.

james harris unsplash

~30,000 B.C.E. ??? ~30,000 B.C.E. ???

Humans in modern-day Europe invent flatbread

Starch grains found on grinding stones suggest that prehistoric man may have consumed a type of bread at least 30,000 years ago in Europe, US researchers said.

bethany legg cKyqdM xias unsplash

~30,000 B.C.E. ??? ~30,000 B.C.E. ???

Humans first arrive and settle in the Arctic

The first indigenous peoples evolved physically and culturally to meet the rigorous demands of their remarkable environment.

eidy bambang sunaryo unsplash

~30,000 B.C.E. ??? ~30,000 B.C.E. ???

Humans create the first star chart, perhaps in modern-day Germany

The oldest known star chart may be a carved ivory Mammoth tusk that was discovered in Germany in 1979. This artifact is 32,500 years old and has a carving that resembles the constellation Orion.

px Pointe de la Gravette MHNT PRE fond

~30,000 B.C.E. ??? ~30,000 B.C.E. ???

Gravettian hunter-gatherers flourish in modern-day Europe

The Gravettian was an archaeological industry of the European Upper Paleolithic that succeeded the Aurignacian circa 33,000 years BP. It is archaeologically the last European culture many consider unified.

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NOTE: We cannot guarantee we will post all stories submitted here. We only post stories that represent milestones in human development (as opposed to “feel good” stories). We want something that would make sense to put on a timeline of human progress. For example, a story like “Random customer leaves a huge tip” isn't a great fit. “Country X passes economic inequality reform bill” is a great fit.