Hominid Prehistory

5 million to 7 million years ago: Divergence of chimps and hominids.

1.7 million to 3.2 million years ago: Hominid males and females evolve to current size differential. Genus Homo emerges.

250,000 years ago: Homo neanderthalensis established in Europe.

100,000 years ago: Homo sapiens evolves in Africa.

50,000 years ago: Homo sapiens spreads to Europe and compete with Neanderthals.

40,000 to 50,000 years ago: An explosion of intellect and creativity gives humans a competitive edge.

30,000 years ago: Neanderthals, unable to adapt, die out.

15,000 to 20,000 years ago: Humans travel to the Americas.