Dmanisi Hominid Archaeological Site

　　In 2005, skeletal fossils of early human ancestors known as the Dmanisi hominins were unearthed in the medieval village of Dmanisi in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia. These fossils date back to approximately 1.8 million years ago and represent the oldest human remains ever discovered outside of Africa. The unearthed skull, jawbone, and limb bone fragments suggest that human ancestors migrated out of Africa much earlier than previously believed. These early humans were more primitive compared to Homo erectus, who scientists have long thought were the first human ancestors to leave Africa around 1 million years ago.

　　Through the study of five skulls and one isolated jawbone found at the site, scientists concluded that the early humans who lived in this region had very small brains—about one-third the size of modern human brains. Their brains were tiny, their lower limbs were relatively similar to those of modern humans, but their upper limbs remained more primitive. They had already developed the ability to make simple stone tools. Based on the study of the Dmanisi early human fossils, they are considered to belong to the Homo habilis group due to their small brain size. Their brow ridges were not as thick as those typical of Homo erectus, but their teeth were closer in structure to those of Homo erectus. The discovery of the Dmanisi hominid site will help researchers investigate the origins and evolution of early humans, as well as their relationships with other hominin species.