Who were the very first humans?

The first people we think of as humans appeared in Africa. About two million years ago, Homo habilis (handy man) appeared. Then, more than one million years ago, Homo erectus (upright man) appeared, but they weren’t modern humans.

Did they have any tools?

Homo habilis was the first tool-user. This is why he is called ‘handy man’. He made simple tools, such as choppers, from pebbles. The tools made by Homo erectus were better. He shaped stones into hand axes, and he was the first to use fire.

What did they eat?

Homo habilis and Homo erectus ate meat and plants. Meat probably came from dead animals which they found. They may have hunted for some small animals. Plants gave them berries and leaves. They used stone tools to cut and scrape their food.

Amazing! Homo erectus had fire. Fire provided warmth, gave heat for cooking, and offered protection from predators.

Is it true? Homo erectus was a wanderer.

Yes. More than one million years ago, Homo erectus began to move out of Africa, travelling to Europe and Asia.