Middle and Lower Pleistocene: the Homo radiation
This chapter deals with the radiation of the genus Homo after its exit from Africa. It deals with population dispersals and the meaning of the taxon Homo erectus with respect to the African and Asian fossils. The morphological characterization of H. erectus is complemented with other sorts of evidence, such as fossil footprints. The comparison between the Asian and African specimens suggests the possible existence of the taxon Homo ergaster. The next issue is the colonization of Europe, with a distinction between “long chronology” and “short chronology,” according to a sporadic or permanent human presence. The hominins’ possible ways of entry in Europe are discussed, and the oldest exemplars, such as Homo antecessor, are described. Finally, the climatic (glaciations) and cultural alternatives are examined in order to determine the status of H. erectus considered as a whole.