1 00:00:13,817 --> 00:00:16,400 {\an8}(bees buzzing) 2 00:00:18,169 --> 00:00:20,868 {\an8}(bark cracking) 3 00:00:20,868 --> 00:00:23,034 {\an8}25 million years ago, 4 00:00:23,034 --> 00:00:26,429 {\an8}a new species appeared on earth: 5 00:00:26,429 --> 00:00:27,679 the great apes. 6 00:00:29,360 --> 00:00:33,527 Among them was one family with extraordinary abilities. 7 00:00:38,484 --> 00:00:41,448 They were our distant ancestors. 8 00:00:41,448 --> 00:00:43,581 Through evolution they gave rise to new, 9 00:00:43,581 --> 00:00:45,414 more advanced species. 10 00:00:46,614 --> 00:00:50,125 They ventured far and wide and invented hunting, 11 00:00:50,125 --> 00:00:51,708 power, tools, love, 12 00:00:52,939 --> 00:00:54,022 and soon war. 13 00:00:55,687 --> 00:00:58,437 (dramatic music) 14 00:01:12,019 --> 00:01:14,745 They competed with the great beasts, 15 00:01:14,745 --> 00:01:18,538 conquered the planet, adapted to every climate. 16 00:01:18,538 --> 00:01:21,288 (dramatic music) 17 00:01:24,329 --> 00:01:26,746 They became us, Homo sapiens, 18 00:01:28,290 --> 00:01:29,207 modern man. 19 00:01:30,182 --> 00:01:32,932 (dramatic music) 20 00:01:34,500 --> 00:01:37,583 Where and when did our lineage begin? 21 00:01:40,532 --> 00:01:42,532 Who was the first of us? 22 00:01:43,766 --> 00:01:47,763 What is that quality that makes us human? 23 00:01:47,763 --> 00:01:51,930 The difference that sets us apart from other animals? 24 00:01:54,450 --> 00:01:57,401 {\an8}Thanks to the latest scientific discoveries, 25 00:01:57,401 --> 00:02:01,216 {\an8}we are about to take a journey into the depths of time 26 00:02:01,216 --> 00:02:04,885 to find out which of our ancestors took 27 00:02:04,885 --> 00:02:06,302 the decisive step 28 00:02:08,753 --> 00:02:11,420 and gave birth to the first man. 29 00:02:13,899 --> 00:02:16,649 (dramatic music) 30 00:02:24,281 --> 00:02:27,903 Our family story begins 25 million years ago 31 00:02:27,903 --> 00:02:31,474 at at time of intense global warming, 32 00:02:31,474 --> 00:02:33,602 with the vast Tethys Ocean fragmenting 33 00:02:33,602 --> 00:02:35,323 and closing off in the near east, 34 00:02:35,323 --> 00:02:38,573 humid forests spread north from Africa. 35 00:02:41,404 --> 00:02:44,199 Our distant ancestors followed the forest 36 00:02:44,199 --> 00:02:48,121 and rapidly populated the ancient world. 37 00:02:48,121 --> 00:02:50,470 They ruled the canopy, 38 00:02:50,470 --> 00:02:52,806 a hundred different species. 39 00:02:52,806 --> 00:02:55,316 Gigantopithecus, Ramapithecus, 40 00:02:55,316 --> 00:02:56,399 Sivapithecus, 41 00:02:57,380 --> 00:03:01,221 stretched from Europe to modern-day China. 42 00:03:01,221 --> 00:03:04,721 This is the age of the planet of the apes. 43 00:03:06,311 --> 00:03:10,478 Which of these great primates is our common ancestor? 44 00:03:15,494 --> 00:03:19,034 The Mediterranean coast 13 million years ago 45 00:03:19,034 --> 00:03:20,701 in modern-day Spain. 46 00:03:23,504 --> 00:03:25,504 A humid tropical forest. 47 00:03:28,125 --> 00:03:32,208 Here lives a creature with exceptional abilities. 48 00:03:36,312 --> 00:03:38,979 This acrobat is Pierolapithecus. 49 00:03:41,636 --> 00:03:45,636 The animal kingdom has never seen such a marvel. 50 00:03:47,257 --> 00:03:52,111 This great ape is the origin of our family, but how? 51 00:03:52,111 --> 00:03:55,194 What makes him our great grandfather? 52 00:03:57,628 --> 00:04:00,628 We are only beginning to understand. 53 00:04:05,384 --> 00:04:07,644 Pierola lives in the trees 54 00:04:07,644 --> 00:04:10,127 and mainly eats fruit. 55 00:04:10,127 --> 00:04:12,677 He is too heavy to walk on the branches, 56 00:04:12,677 --> 00:04:13,677 so he hangs. 57 00:04:15,263 --> 00:04:18,930 Though he does sometimes end up on two feet. 58 00:04:21,154 --> 00:04:22,904 He can walk. 59 00:04:22,904 --> 00:04:24,250 Contrary to common belief, 60 00:04:24,250 --> 00:04:26,396 the ability to walk upright wasn't developed 61 00:04:26,396 --> 00:04:29,888 on the ground, but up in the branches. 62 00:04:29,888 --> 00:04:33,971 Bipedalism was not man's invention, but the apes. 63 00:04:35,721 --> 00:04:38,830 This Pierola is a young male. 64 00:04:38,830 --> 00:04:41,262 He left his family several days ago. 65 00:04:41,262 --> 00:04:43,998 He now faces a difficult task: 66 00:04:43,998 --> 00:04:46,818 being adopted by a new group. 67 00:04:46,818 --> 00:04:49,235 And he's just discovered one. 68 00:04:52,053 --> 00:04:54,553 His fate will be decided here. 69 00:04:55,833 --> 00:04:58,072 But each group has its own territory 70 00:04:58,072 --> 00:05:00,822 and intruders are rarely welcome. 71 00:05:04,814 --> 00:05:07,690 A young female and her infant. 72 00:05:07,690 --> 00:05:09,821 Mothers are especially weary. 73 00:05:09,821 --> 00:05:11,571 Not easy to approach. 74 00:05:14,056 --> 00:05:16,303 (chattering) 75 00:05:16,303 --> 00:05:19,182 Up there, there is an older female. 76 00:05:19,182 --> 00:05:21,515 Much easier to make contact. 77 00:05:24,897 --> 00:05:28,809 A large male, clearly a dominant alpha male. 78 00:05:28,809 --> 00:05:30,781 He seems calm, 79 00:05:30,781 --> 00:05:34,114 but it is far too dangerous to approach. 80 00:05:37,210 --> 00:05:40,427 To be accepted, he must first be noticed. 81 00:05:40,427 --> 00:05:41,677 A tense moment. 82 00:05:46,924 --> 00:05:50,341 Has the young female picked up his scent? 83 00:06:04,559 --> 00:06:08,559 She's the most beautiful Pierola he's ever seen. 84 00:06:12,841 --> 00:06:15,424 It seems to be going all right. 85 00:06:16,549 --> 00:06:20,716 (screeching) (dramatic music) 86 00:06:21,728 --> 00:06:25,388 But there's another story with the alpha male. 87 00:06:25,388 --> 00:06:27,805 (screeching) 88 00:06:35,854 --> 00:06:38,271 (whimpering) 89 00:06:39,315 --> 00:06:40,815 He could kill him. 90 00:06:44,813 --> 00:06:48,480 But for now it's just physical intimidation. 91 00:06:49,389 --> 00:06:51,806 (whimpering) 92 00:07:02,532 --> 00:07:05,840 The young male's first attempt ends in failure. 93 00:07:05,840 --> 00:07:09,590 But his mood provokes an unexpected reaction. 94 00:07:11,192 --> 00:07:14,496 Our ancestors possessed a new quality 95 00:07:14,496 --> 00:07:17,793 previously unknown in the animal kingdom. 96 00:07:17,793 --> 00:07:20,647 Something shared by a very few species. 97 00:07:20,647 --> 00:07:21,480 Empathy. 98 00:07:23,134 --> 00:07:26,217 Understanding the emotions of others. 99 00:07:28,738 --> 00:07:30,713 (whooping) 100 00:07:30,713 --> 00:07:33,679 Even extraordinary, they are affected by 101 00:07:33,679 --> 00:07:35,538 the feelings of others. 102 00:07:35,538 --> 00:07:36,371 Sympathy. 103 00:07:37,812 --> 00:07:40,729 It's happening to the older female. 104 00:07:42,694 --> 00:07:45,522 She feels the distress of the young male 105 00:07:45,522 --> 00:07:47,605 and it makes her anxious. 106 00:07:48,443 --> 00:07:49,526 She must act. 107 00:07:54,251 --> 00:07:58,140 She wants to find out more about him. 108 00:07:58,140 --> 00:08:00,889 Empathy is a powerful force. 109 00:08:00,889 --> 00:08:03,266 It is the thing that allows us to live 110 00:08:03,266 --> 00:08:04,849 in a society today. 111 00:08:06,035 --> 00:08:08,452 (chattering) 112 00:08:10,050 --> 00:08:13,717 Why does he need to be adopted by strangers? 113 00:08:15,496 --> 00:08:19,110 It relates to the social structure of Pierolas. 114 00:08:19,110 --> 00:08:20,735 The females never leave the group while 115 00:08:20,735 --> 00:08:24,485 the males are forced to leave in adolescence. 116 00:08:31,789 --> 00:08:34,206 (chattering) 117 00:08:36,947 --> 00:08:40,322 What do the old female's gestures mean? 118 00:08:40,322 --> 00:08:43,141 Will he be able to stay? 119 00:08:43,141 --> 00:08:43,974 Not yet. 120 00:08:52,526 --> 00:08:55,135 The young male keeps his distance. 121 00:08:55,135 --> 00:08:56,635 He needs to sleep. 122 00:09:02,508 --> 00:09:06,080 Most mammals only sleep for a few minutes at a time. 123 00:09:06,080 --> 00:09:07,798 Not Pierolas. 124 00:09:07,798 --> 00:09:11,715 In terms of sleeping, they are revolutionaries. 125 00:09:13,454 --> 00:09:16,526 The Pierolas have come up with an extraordinary invention. 126 00:09:16,526 --> 00:09:19,276 They build nests in the treetops. 127 00:09:21,408 --> 00:09:22,979 But it takes a long time to learn 128 00:09:22,979 --> 00:09:24,984 how to build a nest, 129 00:09:24,984 --> 00:09:28,401 and the only way to learn is from mother. 130 00:09:29,623 --> 00:09:33,012 They young male always slept in his mother's nest. 131 00:09:33,012 --> 00:09:36,512 He still doesn't know how to make his own. 132 00:09:38,024 --> 00:09:41,481 Up here, Pierolas are protected from predators, 133 00:09:41,481 --> 00:09:44,554 and their leaf mats stop them from falling. 134 00:09:44,554 --> 00:09:47,721 They can sleep all night without fear. 135 00:09:50,865 --> 00:09:52,865 Long restorative nights. 136 00:09:54,530 --> 00:09:58,030 (soft instrumental music) 137 00:10:05,363 --> 00:10:08,324 Thanks to the miracle of sleep, 138 00:10:08,324 --> 00:10:11,657 Pierolas improve their mental faculties. 139 00:10:13,604 --> 00:10:17,828 Sleep allows our brains to sort information. 140 00:10:17,828 --> 00:10:21,749 Not all of it received during the day is useful. 141 00:10:21,749 --> 00:10:23,511 Our brain puts some in the trash 142 00:10:23,511 --> 00:10:27,178 and stores the essential part in our memory. 143 00:10:29,728 --> 00:10:31,978 (whooping) 144 00:10:33,216 --> 00:10:36,036 All that while we sleep. 145 00:10:36,036 --> 00:10:36,953 Remarkable. 146 00:10:39,610 --> 00:10:43,357 Pierolas have passed this down to us. 147 00:10:43,357 --> 00:10:45,640 Without this invention, 148 00:10:45,640 --> 00:10:48,473 we could never have become humans. 149 00:10:54,666 --> 00:10:56,732 This morning the group have come down 150 00:10:56,732 --> 00:10:58,573 to the forest floor. 151 00:10:58,573 --> 00:11:00,568 The young male followed them. 152 00:11:00,568 --> 00:11:04,401 He wants to make contact with the group again. 153 00:11:07,377 --> 00:11:10,140 Pierolas love the sweet taste of fruit, 154 00:11:10,140 --> 00:11:13,802 but they have an advantage over other species. 155 00:11:13,802 --> 00:11:17,469 Their stomachs can digest all sorts of food. 156 00:11:20,594 --> 00:11:23,761 Well, they still have their favorites. 157 00:11:25,695 --> 00:11:28,445 (birds chirping) 158 00:11:35,319 --> 00:11:37,025 There they are. 159 00:11:37,025 --> 00:11:39,442 (chattering) 160 00:11:42,842 --> 00:11:45,311 The young male has made his choice 161 00:11:45,311 --> 00:11:48,228 and will approach the older female. 162 00:11:50,487 --> 00:11:52,969 Out of all the different foods in the forest, 163 00:11:52,969 --> 00:11:55,136 some are highly poisonous. 164 00:11:56,102 --> 00:12:00,646 How do they know what is edible and what is poisonous? 165 00:12:00,646 --> 00:12:03,245 (chattering) 166 00:12:03,245 --> 00:12:07,688 For Pierolas the answer is sharing experiences. 167 00:12:07,688 --> 00:12:10,254 The mother teaches her young how to choose, 168 00:12:10,254 --> 00:12:11,573 how to pick. 169 00:12:11,573 --> 00:12:15,599 This knowledge is passed from generation to generation. 170 00:12:15,599 --> 00:12:18,016 (chattering) 171 00:12:19,901 --> 00:12:22,151 The beginning of a culture. 172 00:12:24,552 --> 00:12:27,885 The older female can have a new contact. 173 00:12:29,517 --> 00:12:33,684 Like all Pierolas, the young male knows how to give gifts. 174 00:12:36,240 --> 00:12:37,073 Figs. 175 00:12:37,910 --> 00:12:39,660 Will she accept them? 176 00:12:41,762 --> 00:12:44,512 (birds chirping) 177 00:12:53,626 --> 00:12:55,496 It's a good sign. 178 00:12:55,496 --> 00:12:58,329 Now he can begin the conversation. 179 00:13:01,217 --> 00:13:04,287 (chattering) 180 00:13:04,287 --> 00:13:09,124 The language of the Pierolas mainly consists of grooming. 181 00:13:09,124 --> 00:13:12,957 Grooming and caresses say far more than words. 182 00:13:19,406 --> 00:13:21,438 But touching females in the group risks 183 00:13:21,438 --> 00:13:23,438 angering the alpha male. 184 00:13:24,622 --> 00:13:27,039 (screeching) 185 00:13:45,784 --> 00:13:49,549 The females defend the young male against the alpha. 186 00:13:49,549 --> 00:13:52,303 Their numbers make them stronger. 187 00:13:52,303 --> 00:13:54,386 The alpha must back down. 188 00:13:59,038 --> 00:14:02,137 (screeching) 189 00:14:02,137 --> 00:14:05,720 Among Pierolas, the females have the power. 190 00:14:09,557 --> 00:14:12,645 The young male has taken an important step. 191 00:14:12,645 --> 00:14:15,978 He has become the old female's favorite. 192 00:14:18,448 --> 00:14:21,788 Now it's the female's turn to caress. 193 00:14:21,788 --> 00:14:24,205 (chattering) 194 00:14:25,395 --> 00:14:28,728 But this seems like more than caressing. 195 00:14:29,817 --> 00:14:32,067 What exactly does she want? 196 00:14:33,832 --> 00:14:37,582 The young male has no experience of pleasure. 197 00:14:38,822 --> 00:14:41,239 (chattering) 198 00:14:44,069 --> 00:14:45,647 To relax the atmosphere, 199 00:14:45,647 --> 00:14:49,480 Pierolas have invented a totally new behavior. 200 00:14:51,026 --> 00:14:51,859 Laughing. 201 00:14:53,455 --> 00:14:56,141 (laughing) 202 00:14:56,141 --> 00:14:58,481 This development which resolves conflicts 203 00:14:58,481 --> 00:15:02,231 is not a human invention, but an inheritance. 204 00:15:08,240 --> 00:15:11,809 Our ancestors lived in an earthly paradise. 205 00:15:11,809 --> 00:15:15,229 Fruits in abundance, fresh water available everywhere, 206 00:15:15,229 --> 00:15:16,812 and in all seasons. 207 00:15:17,872 --> 00:15:20,863 The only real dangers are the predators 208 00:15:20,863 --> 00:15:24,196 that roam the floor of the great forest. 209 00:15:33,459 --> 00:15:37,626 To detect them, Pierolas read the signs of the forest. 210 00:15:41,065 --> 00:15:45,232 They have a deep understanding of their environment. 211 00:15:48,394 --> 00:15:51,737 (bird squawking) 212 00:15:51,737 --> 00:15:53,663 The cry of a bird alerts them. 213 00:15:53,663 --> 00:15:55,080 The alarm sounds. 214 00:15:56,335 --> 00:15:58,585 (whooping) 215 00:16:01,142 --> 00:16:01,975 A tiger. 216 00:16:04,476 --> 00:16:06,726 (whooping) 217 00:16:16,894 --> 00:16:19,941 They have a different call for each predator. 218 00:16:19,941 --> 00:16:22,191 (whooping) 219 00:16:28,361 --> 00:16:30,208 (high-pitched whooping) 220 00:16:30,208 --> 00:16:33,177 That means the alert is lifted. 221 00:16:33,177 --> 00:16:34,927 They can go back now. 222 00:16:44,244 --> 00:16:47,944 Pierolas live in a golden age for the great apes, 223 00:16:47,944 --> 00:16:51,444 but this period of prosperity cannot last. 224 00:16:55,494 --> 00:16:58,582 Great upheaval is on the horizon. 225 00:16:58,582 --> 00:17:01,913 Africa is on a collision course with Europe. 226 00:17:01,913 --> 00:17:06,080 Tectonic activity that will soon destroy the environment. 227 00:17:09,731 --> 00:17:12,462 The young male remains outside the group. 228 00:17:12,462 --> 00:17:13,712 He is cautious. 229 00:17:14,844 --> 00:17:17,143 The alpha is still dangerous. 230 00:17:17,143 --> 00:17:18,823 To be completely adopted, 231 00:17:18,823 --> 00:17:21,240 he needs the alpha's consent. 232 00:17:24,792 --> 00:17:26,845 He's perhaps not the best nest builder, 233 00:17:26,845 --> 00:17:28,340 but he comes from a group that knows 234 00:17:28,340 --> 00:17:31,257 how to catch tasty, little insects. 235 00:17:33,081 --> 00:17:36,282 An amazing technique the golden-eyed female 236 00:17:36,282 --> 00:17:38,115 has never seen before. 237 00:17:42,379 --> 00:17:45,379 He uses this tech to catch termites. 238 00:17:49,179 --> 00:17:52,429 There is nothing tastier than termites. 239 00:17:54,297 --> 00:17:58,464 (soft instrumental music) (soft chattering) 240 00:18:04,609 --> 00:18:07,171 This invention is crucial. 241 00:18:07,171 --> 00:18:09,504 The stick is the first tool. 242 00:18:13,188 --> 00:18:15,744 An extension of the hand which allows us 243 00:18:15,744 --> 00:18:17,494 to perform new tasks. 244 00:18:18,411 --> 00:18:21,578 An idea that will be invaluable to us. 245 00:18:26,523 --> 00:18:28,237 They have understood. 246 00:18:28,237 --> 00:18:32,404 The young male is now the main attraction of the group. 247 00:18:33,537 --> 00:18:35,787 (whooping) 248 00:18:39,766 --> 00:18:42,516 (dramatic music) 249 00:18:43,715 --> 00:18:46,795 The infant is a victim of his greed. 250 00:18:46,795 --> 00:18:49,045 (whooping) 251 00:18:51,575 --> 00:18:53,514 He forgot his mother's teaching 252 00:18:53,514 --> 00:18:55,062 and has been poisoned. 253 00:18:55,062 --> 00:18:57,614 (whooping) 254 00:18:57,614 --> 00:19:01,187 A fate suffered so often by the young. 255 00:19:01,187 --> 00:19:03,437 (whooping) 256 00:19:11,498 --> 00:19:14,665 The young male recognizes this poison. 257 00:19:17,858 --> 00:19:19,642 The Pierolas already have some knowledge 258 00:19:19,642 --> 00:19:22,392 of the curative powers of plants. 259 00:19:25,051 --> 00:19:27,326 This knowledge varies between groups 260 00:19:27,326 --> 00:19:29,542 and allows them to cure some ailments. 261 00:19:29,542 --> 00:19:33,079 The young male seems to have some knowledge on this matter 262 00:19:33,079 --> 00:19:35,079 that the group does not. 263 00:19:37,784 --> 00:19:40,764 There are many different types. 264 00:19:40,764 --> 00:19:43,162 Plants that put tapeworms to sleep. 265 00:19:43,162 --> 00:19:45,457 Plants covered in tiny spines that trap 266 00:19:45,457 --> 00:19:47,040 the sleeping worms. 267 00:19:52,630 --> 00:19:54,713 Pierolas were herbalists. 268 00:19:58,956 --> 00:20:01,206 (whooping) 269 00:20:12,902 --> 00:20:15,152 (grunting) 270 00:20:16,453 --> 00:20:19,514 The tale of this young Pierola may seem secondary, 271 00:20:19,514 --> 00:20:23,507 but it tells another more powerful story. 272 00:20:23,507 --> 00:20:26,060 The spread of knowledge. 273 00:20:26,060 --> 00:20:28,861 Societies that force their young adults to leave 274 00:20:28,861 --> 00:20:30,611 possess this quality. 275 00:20:31,651 --> 00:20:33,992 The young depart with the knowledge of their group 276 00:20:33,992 --> 00:20:36,659 and transmit it to other groups. 277 00:20:39,006 --> 00:20:41,208 The infant is saved. 278 00:20:41,208 --> 00:20:43,625 (chattering) 279 00:20:48,269 --> 00:20:50,352 Thanks to the young male. 280 00:20:55,760 --> 00:20:58,657 The young female has made her choice. 281 00:20:58,657 --> 00:21:02,053 He must become part of the group. 282 00:21:02,053 --> 00:21:04,470 (chattering) 283 00:21:05,581 --> 00:21:08,248 It's her will against the alpha. 284 00:21:09,132 --> 00:21:11,549 (chattering) 285 00:21:21,445 --> 00:21:24,963 Pierola alpha males resist the pressure of the females 286 00:21:24,963 --> 00:21:26,630 as long as possible. 287 00:21:27,977 --> 00:21:30,227 But the females always win. 288 00:21:32,961 --> 00:21:34,574 The alpha consents. 289 00:21:34,574 --> 00:21:37,689 From now on the young male is part of the group. 290 00:21:37,689 --> 00:21:40,356 (deep rumbling) 291 00:21:44,086 --> 00:21:45,086 It's a sign. 292 00:21:46,533 --> 00:21:49,326 The earth is moving and the great period 293 00:21:49,326 --> 00:21:52,889 of climatic cooling is approaching. 294 00:21:52,889 --> 00:21:55,302 (dramatic music) 295 00:21:55,302 --> 00:21:57,312 (birds squawking) 296 00:21:57,312 --> 00:22:01,312 Our ancestors had to leave to escape this place. 297 00:22:04,009 --> 00:22:06,592 And so the great exodus begins. 298 00:22:11,527 --> 00:22:15,345 Africa is on a collision course with Europe. 299 00:22:15,345 --> 00:22:18,816 The climate of the planet is changing dramatically. 300 00:22:18,816 --> 00:22:21,929 The humid forests of Europe are disappearing. 301 00:22:21,929 --> 00:22:24,585 The same is happening in large parts of Asia, 302 00:22:24,585 --> 00:22:27,805 where the forests of China and Japan are fragmenting. 303 00:22:27,805 --> 00:22:31,373 The Asiatic great apes migrate towards South Asia. 304 00:22:31,373 --> 00:22:33,760 They give rise to the ancestors of the gibbons 305 00:22:33,760 --> 00:22:35,343 and the orangutans. 306 00:22:36,474 --> 00:22:38,289 The African continent has just closed 307 00:22:38,289 --> 00:22:40,085 the Strait of Gibraltar, 308 00:22:40,085 --> 00:22:42,432 cut off from the water of the Atlantic. 309 00:22:42,432 --> 00:22:46,839 The Mediterranean dries out and becomes a dead sea. 310 00:22:46,839 --> 00:22:50,138 Pierolas and their relatives cross the dry Mediterranean. 311 00:22:50,138 --> 00:22:53,282 They migrate towards Africa where the forest is spreading, 312 00:22:53,282 --> 00:22:57,199 notably on the vast green plains of the Sahara. 313 00:22:58,156 --> 00:23:00,676 Pierolas evolved and became a new species 314 00:23:00,676 --> 00:23:03,810 with new more astonishing abilities. 315 00:23:03,810 --> 00:23:07,977 This new ancestor was called Sahelanthropus, or Toumai. 316 00:23:10,859 --> 00:23:14,799 Further south, we rejoin the path of our lineage, 317 00:23:14,799 --> 00:23:16,966 seven million years later. 318 00:23:17,834 --> 00:23:20,798 Toumai lived on the shores of Lake Chad. 319 00:23:20,798 --> 00:23:23,545 They were probably our common ancestor 320 00:23:23,545 --> 00:23:25,736 with modern chimpanzees. 321 00:23:25,736 --> 00:23:27,696 Their inventions will make them amongst 322 00:23:27,696 --> 00:23:29,827 the most dangerous and intelligent species 323 00:23:29,827 --> 00:23:31,599 on the planet. 324 00:23:31,599 --> 00:23:36,309 With them, the march towards humanity gathers space. 325 00:23:36,309 --> 00:23:37,944 (tapping) 326 00:23:37,944 --> 00:23:40,140 Toumais still sleep in the trees, 327 00:23:40,140 --> 00:23:44,147 but have found plenty to do on the ground. 328 00:23:44,147 --> 00:23:46,535 A much more varied food supply, 329 00:23:46,535 --> 00:23:50,632 even if it's a little trickier to get to. 330 00:23:50,632 --> 00:23:54,226 The descendant of the young female is now a Toumai. 331 00:23:54,226 --> 00:23:56,477 Her appearance has changed, 332 00:23:56,477 --> 00:23:58,652 but she has kept her golden eyes 333 00:23:58,652 --> 00:24:00,985 passed down through her DNA. 334 00:24:02,832 --> 00:24:05,499 Her son still has much to learn. 335 00:24:08,521 --> 00:24:11,573 An infant's education now takes much longer 336 00:24:11,573 --> 00:24:13,498 as well as knowing what to eat. 337 00:24:13,498 --> 00:24:16,306 He must learn how to eat it. 338 00:24:16,306 --> 00:24:18,973 (nut crunching) 339 00:24:20,842 --> 00:24:24,011 Toumai use different tools for different foods, 340 00:24:24,011 --> 00:24:28,011 but mastering each tool takes hours of practice. 341 00:24:33,260 --> 00:24:36,010 (branch tapping) 342 00:24:39,769 --> 00:24:41,775 (screeching) 343 00:24:41,775 --> 00:24:45,608 Toumai try to benefit from all nature's gifts. 344 00:24:49,421 --> 00:24:51,131 The females have a greater practical 345 00:24:51,131 --> 00:24:53,131 instinct than the males. 346 00:24:56,934 --> 00:24:59,551 (branch tapping) 347 00:24:59,551 --> 00:25:02,134 (bees buzzing) 348 00:25:12,437 --> 00:25:15,687 They imagine and invent new techniques. 349 00:25:26,206 --> 00:25:28,862 Toumai have also improved this strange way 350 00:25:28,862 --> 00:25:31,088 of getting around. 351 00:25:31,088 --> 00:25:32,755 Walking on two feet. 352 00:25:33,724 --> 00:25:35,625 It has many advantages, 353 00:25:35,625 --> 00:25:40,182 such as being able to carry objects long distances. 354 00:25:40,182 --> 00:25:44,349 The descendant of the alpha still dominates the group. 355 00:25:46,884 --> 00:25:48,867 There have been considerable changes in 356 00:25:48,867 --> 00:25:50,893 our ancestor's social structure. 357 00:25:50,893 --> 00:25:53,310 Now the males have the power. 358 00:25:54,437 --> 00:25:56,745 There is a hierarchy and the alpha knows 359 00:25:56,745 --> 00:25:58,495 it must be respected. 360 00:26:01,415 --> 00:26:04,998 He often feels the need to remind everyone. 361 00:26:06,543 --> 00:26:08,960 (screeching) 362 00:26:12,305 --> 00:26:16,353 It's usually the weakest that feel his force. 363 00:26:16,353 --> 00:26:18,770 (screeching) 364 00:26:24,764 --> 00:26:26,593 A society dominated by males 365 00:26:26,593 --> 00:26:29,427 is a never-ending series of rivalries. 366 00:26:29,427 --> 00:26:31,594 (banging) 367 00:26:34,278 --> 00:26:36,285 The alpha is a type of ultra-dominant male 368 00:26:36,285 --> 00:26:39,790 who always feels the need to show his force. 369 00:26:39,790 --> 00:26:42,040 (growling) 370 00:26:49,006 --> 00:26:51,506 Is this young one still alive? 371 00:26:54,646 --> 00:26:57,313 He's okay, just a bit shaken up. 372 00:27:02,276 --> 00:27:04,544 The alpha doesn't just rely on strength 373 00:27:04,544 --> 00:27:05,794 to stay on top. 374 00:27:07,998 --> 00:27:10,932 He builds friendships with several allies. 375 00:27:10,932 --> 00:27:15,099 He praises a male, knowing he could be a threat one day. 376 00:27:17,578 --> 00:27:20,194 He sweet talks the other female. 377 00:27:20,194 --> 00:27:22,430 That good will could come in useful. 378 00:27:22,430 --> 00:27:24,680 (whooping) 379 00:27:27,260 --> 00:27:29,927 Alliances, strategies, betrayal, 380 00:27:31,161 --> 00:27:32,744 conquest and power. 381 00:27:33,972 --> 00:27:36,469 This type of society has given rise 382 00:27:36,469 --> 00:27:38,802 to a new activity: politics. 383 00:27:42,857 --> 00:27:46,016 The males spend most of their day plotting. 384 00:27:46,016 --> 00:27:49,254 It is left to the females to find ways to feed 385 00:27:49,254 --> 00:27:51,254 and educate their young. 386 00:27:55,883 --> 00:27:58,022 No wonder that the females have become 387 00:27:58,022 --> 00:28:00,689 more resourceful than the males. 388 00:28:06,305 --> 00:28:08,888 (rock banging) 389 00:28:10,725 --> 00:28:13,317 To the alpha, ruling the group also means 390 00:28:13,317 --> 00:28:15,650 having access to the female. 391 00:28:18,215 --> 00:28:20,819 The problem with bipedalism is that the male 392 00:28:20,819 --> 00:28:24,732 can't see the females genitals as clearly. 393 00:28:24,732 --> 00:28:27,815 How does he know if she's interested? 394 00:28:32,001 --> 00:28:34,228 Before being able to mate, 395 00:28:34,228 --> 00:28:38,395 he now has to check the willingness of the female. 396 00:28:40,665 --> 00:28:43,603 (grunting) 397 00:28:43,603 --> 00:28:46,020 (screeching) 398 00:29:04,477 --> 00:29:06,227 She's not interested. 399 00:29:15,162 --> 00:29:18,163 The new territory of the Toumai includes water 400 00:29:18,163 --> 00:29:20,486 and all the food it contains. 401 00:29:20,486 --> 00:29:23,583 Our ancestors are just getting used to this new element 402 00:29:23,583 --> 00:29:27,083 and will encounter an abundance of riches. 403 00:29:30,174 --> 00:29:34,570 The Toumai's greatest invention, however, is preference. 404 00:29:34,570 --> 00:29:36,328 The male and the female can decide to 405 00:29:36,328 --> 00:29:38,415 get away from the group 406 00:29:38,415 --> 00:29:41,165 just to spend some time together. 407 00:29:42,485 --> 00:29:44,738 For these two juveniles, 408 00:29:44,738 --> 00:29:46,405 it's the first time. 409 00:29:51,121 --> 00:29:54,704 (soft instrumental music) 410 00:30:07,866 --> 00:30:09,964 (grunting) 411 00:30:09,964 --> 00:30:14,521 A big step in relationships between males and females. 412 00:30:14,521 --> 00:30:18,344 Before there was only sniffing, then mating. 413 00:30:18,344 --> 00:30:20,246 It only lasted a minute. 414 00:30:20,246 --> 00:30:22,282 Now they can spend time together 415 00:30:22,282 --> 00:30:25,199 and exchange gestures of affection. 416 00:30:31,250 --> 00:30:34,693 The great apes begin to feel their hearts beating, 417 00:30:34,693 --> 00:30:36,943 their hair standing on end. 418 00:30:39,463 --> 00:30:41,796 The great game of seduction. 419 00:30:49,542 --> 00:30:53,709 (chattering) (water splashing) 420 00:30:57,760 --> 00:31:00,166 She seeks his gaze. 421 00:31:00,166 --> 00:31:01,583 He is transfixed. 422 00:31:02,888 --> 00:31:04,603 She smells him. 423 00:31:04,603 --> 00:31:06,020 They feel desire. 424 00:31:07,673 --> 00:31:09,923 (grunting) 425 00:31:21,603 --> 00:31:26,308 They give kisses and invent a new way of mating: 426 00:31:26,308 --> 00:31:27,391 face-to-face. 427 00:31:31,582 --> 00:31:33,608 No one has noticed that the infant has 428 00:31:33,608 --> 00:31:35,441 strayed from the bank. 429 00:31:37,154 --> 00:31:39,987 (water splashing) 430 00:31:43,972 --> 00:31:46,389 (screeching) 431 00:32:15,952 --> 00:32:17,490 Too late. 432 00:32:17,490 --> 00:32:21,323 The little one's frail body is limp, lifeless. 433 00:32:27,104 --> 00:32:29,354 (grunting) 434 00:32:36,142 --> 00:32:39,234 Toumai are well aware of the importance of the group. 435 00:32:39,234 --> 00:32:42,401 The loss of a member is heartbreaking. 436 00:32:43,960 --> 00:32:46,793 (water splashing) 437 00:32:49,548 --> 00:32:51,965 (screeching) 438 00:32:56,971 --> 00:32:59,620 Life on the ground does have its advantages, 439 00:32:59,620 --> 00:33:03,814 but there are far more predators than in the canopy. 440 00:33:03,814 --> 00:33:07,481 That's why Toumai still depend on the trees. 441 00:33:09,963 --> 00:33:12,796 (leaves rustling) 442 00:33:25,050 --> 00:33:27,236 Something strange is happening in 443 00:33:27,236 --> 00:33:29,812 our ancestor's minds. 444 00:33:29,812 --> 00:33:33,287 The young female should've left the lifeless body behind, 445 00:33:33,287 --> 00:33:34,620 but she refused. 446 00:33:43,090 --> 00:33:45,507 (chattering) 447 00:33:46,682 --> 00:33:50,182 (soft instrumental music) 448 00:33:51,233 --> 00:33:52,066 Why? 449 00:33:54,222 --> 00:33:55,805 What does she feel? 450 00:33:58,757 --> 00:34:01,007 (grunting) 451 00:34:15,398 --> 00:34:18,898 (soft instrumental music) 452 00:34:35,030 --> 00:34:37,558 Something happened this morning. 453 00:34:37,558 --> 00:34:39,745 Several unknown individuals were spotted 454 00:34:39,745 --> 00:34:42,245 on the other side of the hill. 455 00:34:47,578 --> 00:34:51,411 The three males of the group are very excited. 456 00:34:53,015 --> 00:34:55,649 There under the large fig tree, 457 00:34:55,649 --> 00:34:57,868 another group of Toumai. 458 00:34:57,868 --> 00:35:00,618 The first time they've seen them. 459 00:35:04,096 --> 00:35:06,263 Two very enticing females. 460 00:35:11,933 --> 00:35:15,060 They have been eating overripe figs 461 00:35:15,060 --> 00:35:16,560 and are now drunk. 462 00:35:22,147 --> 00:35:24,790 This group have come here for the fermented fruits 463 00:35:24,790 --> 00:35:26,707 that rot on the ground. 464 00:35:33,051 --> 00:35:35,301 (grunting) 465 00:35:39,740 --> 00:35:42,073 The alpha wants the females. 466 00:35:46,276 --> 00:35:48,109 He wants what he sees. 467 00:35:51,444 --> 00:35:54,027 But they belong to other males. 468 00:35:55,985 --> 00:35:58,235 And he's an absolute giant. 469 00:36:00,040 --> 00:36:01,290 What can he do? 470 00:36:06,553 --> 00:36:09,365 (banging fruit) 471 00:36:09,365 --> 00:36:13,532 A cunning plan is formulating inside the alpha's head. 472 00:36:15,109 --> 00:36:17,526 A previously unimagined idea. 473 00:36:20,974 --> 00:36:23,961 An idea that will make us the most dangerous 474 00:36:23,961 --> 00:36:26,584 predator on the planet. 475 00:36:26,584 --> 00:36:29,751 (soft dramatic music) 476 00:36:39,317 --> 00:36:42,067 (branch tapping) 477 00:36:43,815 --> 00:36:46,565 (dramatic music) 478 00:36:51,779 --> 00:36:54,029 (growling) 479 00:37:07,381 --> 00:37:10,131 (dramatic music) 480 00:37:22,215 --> 00:37:24,465 (growling) 481 00:37:30,374 --> 00:37:32,791 (screeching) 482 00:37:37,591 --> 00:37:41,424 (rocks and branches thumping) 483 00:37:43,500 --> 00:37:46,250 (dramatic music) 484 00:37:47,674 --> 00:37:51,007 (grunting and growling) 485 00:37:54,926 --> 00:37:58,759 (rocks and branches thumping) 486 00:38:01,879 --> 00:38:03,595 The idea is to kill. 487 00:38:03,595 --> 00:38:06,204 Killing one's own species. 488 00:38:06,204 --> 00:38:09,620 Killing with premeditation in an organized way. 489 00:38:09,620 --> 00:38:12,364 Killing to take the goods of others. 490 00:38:12,364 --> 00:38:15,087 (dramatic music) 491 00:38:15,087 --> 00:38:18,592 The Toumai have just invented war. 492 00:38:18,592 --> 00:38:21,342 (dramatic music) 493 00:38:23,846 --> 00:38:26,096 (growling) 494 00:38:33,806 --> 00:38:36,226 They have conquered a new territory. 495 00:38:36,226 --> 00:38:39,264 And with it, a tree full of fruit 496 00:38:39,264 --> 00:38:41,379 and a few females. 497 00:38:41,379 --> 00:38:43,296 War has its advantages. 498 00:38:50,214 --> 00:38:54,381 From now on, the alpha group will occupy this land. 499 00:39:04,556 --> 00:39:07,180 The young female still has a worrying 500 00:39:07,180 --> 00:39:09,263 connection to her infant. 501 00:39:13,953 --> 00:39:16,786 She is refusing to accept reality, 502 00:39:17,797 --> 00:39:20,964 because reality has become unbearable. 503 00:39:22,639 --> 00:39:26,306 (solemn instrumental music) 504 00:39:39,886 --> 00:39:42,126 The infant is motionless, 505 00:39:42,126 --> 00:39:44,459 but his body is still there. 506 00:39:45,492 --> 00:39:47,742 What is it that lives in us 507 00:39:48,622 --> 00:39:50,705 and vanishes so suddenly? 508 00:39:51,654 --> 00:39:53,904 (grunting) 509 00:40:03,717 --> 00:40:07,884 (speaking in rudimentary language) 510 00:40:27,231 --> 00:40:30,064 (leaves rustling) 511 00:40:33,189 --> 00:40:36,856 (solemn instrumental music) 512 00:40:48,618 --> 00:40:50,783 Toumai are starting to understand 513 00:40:50,783 --> 00:40:54,414 the concept of death, the loss of life, 514 00:40:54,414 --> 00:40:56,748 the loss of a being. 515 00:40:56,748 --> 00:41:00,081 They know that their own lives will end. 516 00:41:06,508 --> 00:41:09,410 Faced with suffering and confusion, 517 00:41:09,410 --> 00:41:11,628 they gather around the body 518 00:41:11,628 --> 00:41:13,545 of the departed friend. 519 00:41:18,147 --> 00:41:21,828 Gathering, the feeling of being in a group, 520 00:41:21,828 --> 00:41:23,911 united in space and time. 521 00:41:26,623 --> 00:41:30,456 (singing in foreign language) 522 00:41:33,561 --> 00:41:35,732 The beginning of a ritual, 523 00:41:35,732 --> 00:41:37,815 a first funeral ceremony. 524 00:41:42,316 --> 00:41:45,445 For many years, we believed that awareness 525 00:41:45,445 --> 00:41:47,900 of death made us human. 526 00:41:47,900 --> 00:41:49,525 Not anymore. 527 00:41:49,525 --> 00:41:51,923 Today we know that we share this knowledge 528 00:41:51,923 --> 00:41:55,840 with many other species, including chimpanzees. 529 00:41:57,511 --> 00:42:01,344 (singing in foreign language) 530 00:42:06,445 --> 00:42:08,615 Awareness of the passage of time 531 00:42:08,615 --> 00:42:12,988 is a huge leap forward in our family history. 532 00:42:12,988 --> 00:42:16,821 (singing in foreign language) 533 00:42:20,729 --> 00:42:23,966 Five million years ago Africa began to dry out. 534 00:42:23,966 --> 00:42:25,649 The great forests of the Sahara 535 00:42:25,649 --> 00:42:27,190 receded and placed pressure on 536 00:42:27,190 --> 00:42:29,543 the descendants of the Toumai. 537 00:42:29,543 --> 00:42:31,762 They separate into several families, 538 00:42:31,762 --> 00:42:33,436 some evolve along the lines of 539 00:42:33,436 --> 00:42:36,095 the chimpanzees and gorillas. 540 00:42:36,095 --> 00:42:39,174 They abandon bipedalism and invent a new way 541 00:42:39,174 --> 00:42:41,757 of getting around on four feet. 542 00:42:42,894 --> 00:42:45,121 Others evolve along the line of humans. 543 00:42:45,121 --> 00:42:47,001 They are spread throughout Africa, 544 00:42:47,001 --> 00:42:48,536 especially in the east. 545 00:42:48,536 --> 00:42:52,097 Here we find the great family of Australopithecus. 546 00:42:52,097 --> 00:42:54,234 Between four and two million years ago, 547 00:42:54,234 --> 00:42:56,971 there is a great diaspora. 548 00:42:56,971 --> 00:42:57,804 Afarensis, 549 00:42:58,921 --> 00:42:59,754 able, 550 00:43:00,710 --> 00:43:02,260 africanus, 551 00:43:02,260 --> 00:43:03,427 Kenyanthropus, 552 00:43:04,604 --> 00:43:05,437 anamensis, 553 00:43:06,336 --> 00:43:07,169 garhi. 554 00:43:09,270 --> 00:43:11,386 Around two million years ago, 555 00:43:11,386 --> 00:43:14,438 a new character appeared in South Africa. 556 00:43:14,438 --> 00:43:18,464 He would go on to radically alter our history. 557 00:43:18,464 --> 00:43:20,131 We named him sediba. 558 00:43:23,267 --> 00:43:26,850 Is he an Australopithecus or the first man? 559 00:43:28,241 --> 00:43:31,549 That question hasn't been solved. 560 00:43:31,549 --> 00:43:35,222 Sediba lived in the south of the African continent. 561 00:43:35,222 --> 00:43:38,229 Drought increasingly affects this part of Africa, 562 00:43:38,229 --> 00:43:40,033 and will play a considerable role 563 00:43:40,033 --> 00:43:42,582 in the development of our ancestors. 564 00:43:42,582 --> 00:43:45,682 Despite spending the majority of their time on the ground, 565 00:43:45,682 --> 00:43:48,079 sediba are still dependent on the trees, 566 00:43:48,079 --> 00:43:50,379 the only protection from the man-eating beasts 567 00:43:50,379 --> 00:43:53,207 that roam the land at that time. 568 00:43:53,207 --> 00:43:56,132 (screaming) 569 00:43:56,132 --> 00:43:58,215 They never stray too far. 570 00:44:02,057 --> 00:44:04,577 The dry season is at its peak. 571 00:44:04,577 --> 00:44:06,820 There's no more fruit on the trees. 572 00:44:06,820 --> 00:44:09,237 The only food is underground. 573 00:44:14,378 --> 00:44:17,287 Roots and bulbs are difficult to find 574 00:44:17,287 --> 00:44:18,669 and dig out of the ground, 575 00:44:18,669 --> 00:44:19,732 and they need a lot of chewing 576 00:44:19,732 --> 00:44:22,578 before they can be swallowed. 577 00:44:22,578 --> 00:44:24,578 But that's all there is. 578 00:44:26,292 --> 00:44:29,625 Hours are spent chewing this tough food. 579 00:44:34,159 --> 00:44:36,905 This young male is still part of the group, 580 00:44:36,905 --> 00:44:38,905 though he has no female. 581 00:44:41,510 --> 00:44:43,611 The females now live in harem with 582 00:44:43,611 --> 00:44:45,278 the strongest males. 583 00:44:51,218 --> 00:44:55,218 These two females are part of the alpha's harem. 584 00:44:56,679 --> 00:44:59,401 When a carcass is left by the larger predators, 585 00:44:59,401 --> 00:45:03,546 there's only enough for the alpha and his females. 586 00:45:03,546 --> 00:45:05,030 A few bones to suck, 587 00:45:05,030 --> 00:45:07,211 but only the strongest have access. 588 00:45:07,211 --> 00:45:10,625 That's why the females have accepted this new arrangement. 589 00:45:10,625 --> 00:45:13,859 Less power for more protection. 590 00:45:13,859 --> 00:45:16,606 Sediba don't live very long. 591 00:45:16,606 --> 00:45:20,125 This old female can no longer chew. 592 00:45:20,125 --> 00:45:23,392 The marrow is all she can swallow. 593 00:45:23,392 --> 00:45:27,559 (speaking in rudimentary language) 594 00:45:29,129 --> 00:45:32,462 The alpha doesn't share with the others. 595 00:45:33,933 --> 00:45:36,865 The old female would already be dead 596 00:45:36,865 --> 00:45:38,782 without the young male. 597 00:45:40,155 --> 00:45:44,322 (speaking in rudimentary language) 598 00:45:53,803 --> 00:45:57,136 By chewing her food, he keeps her alive. 599 00:45:58,078 --> 00:45:59,911 Empathy at work again. 600 00:46:01,700 --> 00:46:03,987 This extreme scarcity of food is driving 601 00:46:03,987 --> 00:46:06,627 out our species to extinction. 602 00:46:06,627 --> 00:46:09,047 If they don't find an alternative, 603 00:46:09,047 --> 00:46:10,547 they will all die. 604 00:46:12,209 --> 00:46:13,542 They must adapt. 605 00:46:14,581 --> 00:46:18,703 Fortunately, sediba possesses a highly developed brain 606 00:46:18,703 --> 00:46:21,786 and an array of tools and techniques. 607 00:46:24,475 --> 00:46:27,149 Inside the brain of one of them, 608 00:46:27,149 --> 00:46:30,396 a revolutionary idea is taking shape. 609 00:46:30,396 --> 00:46:32,646 (grunting) 610 00:46:35,839 --> 00:46:38,475 (birds squawking) 611 00:46:38,475 --> 00:46:40,817 If the meat won't come to them, 612 00:46:40,817 --> 00:46:43,067 they will have to go to it. 613 00:46:45,116 --> 00:46:46,616 (speaking in rudimentary language) 614 00:46:46,616 --> 00:46:48,126 Over there. 615 00:46:48,126 --> 00:46:51,069 The alpha's female wants to take the risk. 616 00:46:51,069 --> 00:46:53,624 The young male is ready to. 617 00:46:53,624 --> 00:46:56,545 None before them have tried this. 618 00:46:56,545 --> 00:46:58,112 Against the wishes of the alpha, 619 00:46:58,112 --> 00:47:01,136 they will attempt the impossible. 620 00:47:01,136 --> 00:47:03,303 (yelling) 621 00:47:18,991 --> 00:47:21,408 How could they be so foolish? 622 00:47:24,949 --> 00:47:29,116 Neither of them has never been so far from the trees. 623 00:47:30,806 --> 00:47:33,458 The desire to eat meat outweighs the dangers 624 00:47:33,458 --> 00:47:34,708 of the savanna. 625 00:47:38,521 --> 00:47:40,923 The brave ones that took this reckless decision 626 00:47:40,923 --> 00:47:43,067 could not have known the profound effect 627 00:47:43,067 --> 00:47:46,734 it would have on the history of our species. 628 00:47:52,650 --> 00:47:54,900 (grunting) 629 00:48:01,787 --> 00:48:04,915 (birds squawking) 630 00:48:04,915 --> 00:48:09,082 (screaming) (dramatic music) 631 00:48:31,318 --> 00:48:32,651 A fresh carcass. 632 00:48:34,157 --> 00:48:35,907 An abundance of meat. 633 00:48:37,372 --> 00:48:39,622 (grunting) 634 00:48:46,315 --> 00:48:48,565 They've never seen so much. 635 00:48:52,288 --> 00:48:54,238 The first pieces they choose 636 00:48:54,238 --> 00:48:57,481 are those that contain fat, the tastiest. 637 00:48:57,481 --> 00:48:59,310 Fat is so rare in nature, 638 00:48:59,310 --> 00:49:01,081 and yet so rich in energy, 639 00:49:01,081 --> 00:49:05,248 and important for the digestion of animal proteins. 640 00:49:06,458 --> 00:49:10,792 The sediba pick out the parts that contain the most. 641 00:49:10,792 --> 00:49:12,875 The marrow, the entrails, 642 00:49:14,466 --> 00:49:17,133 the brain, the tongue, the eyes. 643 00:49:20,916 --> 00:49:24,249 (laughing and grunting) 644 00:49:36,605 --> 00:49:40,772 (speaking in rudimentary language) 645 00:49:50,611 --> 00:49:53,361 (birds chirping) 646 00:50:04,718 --> 00:50:07,879 (speaking in rudimentary language) 647 00:50:07,879 --> 00:50:09,992 The two explorers are back, 648 00:50:09,992 --> 00:50:13,878 their arms laden with the most wonderful food. 649 00:50:13,878 --> 00:50:18,045 (speaking in rudimentary language) 650 00:50:25,041 --> 00:50:27,231 Food for everyone. 651 00:50:27,231 --> 00:50:29,115 What a success. 652 00:50:29,115 --> 00:50:32,845 A solution for the future of the species? 653 00:50:32,845 --> 00:50:35,875 But the alpha is not ready to digest this humiliation. 654 00:50:35,875 --> 00:50:38,125 (growling) 655 00:50:39,170 --> 00:50:41,640 The female is part of his harem. 656 00:50:41,640 --> 00:50:43,390 She has betrayed him. 657 00:50:44,751 --> 00:50:47,614 Sometimes the females do swap males, 658 00:50:47,614 --> 00:50:49,240 but a possessive alpha like him 659 00:50:49,240 --> 00:50:51,358 can't lose one of his females. 660 00:50:51,358 --> 00:50:54,058 It's a threat to his power. 661 00:50:54,058 --> 00:50:57,973 (growling and grunting) 662 00:50:57,973 --> 00:51:01,117 The young male can do nothing. 663 00:51:01,117 --> 00:51:02,784 Here might is right. 664 00:51:03,685 --> 00:51:07,018 (growling and grunting) 665 00:51:39,444 --> 00:51:43,141 He humiliates her in front of everyone, 666 00:51:43,141 --> 00:51:47,058 punishes her and isolates here from the others. 667 00:51:49,218 --> 00:51:52,718 (soft instrumental music) 668 00:52:12,382 --> 00:52:15,272 The old female has nothing to lose. 669 00:52:15,272 --> 00:52:19,022 She's the only one that can come to her help. 670 00:52:23,337 --> 00:52:25,587 (groaning) 671 00:52:28,106 --> 00:52:32,395 The harshness of this life does not favor the females. 672 00:52:32,395 --> 00:52:34,512 They have lost a lot of their power 673 00:52:34,512 --> 00:52:37,345 to the benefit of the large males. 674 00:52:48,084 --> 00:52:51,124 The first effects of the meat are immediate. 675 00:52:51,124 --> 00:52:53,414 It's easier to digest than roots 676 00:52:53,414 --> 00:52:55,536 and the body feels lighter. 677 00:52:55,536 --> 00:52:57,999 Meat gives the sensation of well-being 678 00:52:57,999 --> 00:52:59,666 and a sounder sleep. 679 00:53:01,988 --> 00:53:03,924 The second effect will take hundreds 680 00:53:03,924 --> 00:53:06,457 of thousands of years. 681 00:53:06,457 --> 00:53:08,694 Less energy consumed by the stomach 682 00:53:08,694 --> 00:53:11,864 means more energy for the brain. 683 00:53:11,864 --> 00:53:14,738 Thanks to that, our mental capacity will 684 00:53:14,738 --> 00:53:18,821 improve and our bodies become taller and slimmer. 685 00:53:19,999 --> 00:53:22,819 Although physical force still dominates, 686 00:53:22,819 --> 00:53:25,152 it won't be enough to adapt. 687 00:53:27,053 --> 00:53:28,979 A new generation is coming 688 00:53:28,979 --> 00:53:33,146 whose ingenuity will prove the decisive advantage. 689 00:53:38,740 --> 00:53:42,907 Sediba already use rocks to break and crush roots. 690 00:53:44,264 --> 00:53:46,347 But he has a new thought. 691 00:53:47,232 --> 00:53:51,621 The young male has an idea that could change their lives. 692 00:53:51,621 --> 00:53:54,704 Maybe even the future of his species. 693 00:53:56,350 --> 00:53:58,501 If he can cut the carcasses of animals 694 00:53:58,501 --> 00:54:01,072 killed by predators into smaller pieces, 695 00:54:01,072 --> 00:54:03,446 they can carry them to a safe place. 696 00:54:03,446 --> 00:54:07,613 If it works, they will have provisions for several days. 697 00:54:09,929 --> 00:54:12,247 For this they will need a range of new tools 698 00:54:12,247 --> 00:54:16,546 to cut and slice the flesh, break the bones. 699 00:54:16,546 --> 00:54:18,963 He shapes them out of a rock. 700 00:54:20,569 --> 00:54:24,015 These shards are as sharp as razors. 701 00:54:24,015 --> 00:54:26,087 (yelling) 702 00:54:26,087 --> 00:54:29,184 It will take thousands of years to master the technique. 703 00:54:29,184 --> 00:54:31,351 (yelling) 704 00:54:56,866 --> 00:54:59,186 One of the great advantages of our ancestors 705 00:54:59,186 --> 00:55:01,985 relied on their capacity for imagination 706 00:55:01,985 --> 00:55:06,152 and on the language they were beginning to articulate. 707 00:55:07,039 --> 00:55:09,389 They were capable of conceiving a project, 708 00:55:09,389 --> 00:55:11,169 weighing up different aspects, 709 00:55:11,169 --> 00:55:13,669 and anticipating future needs. 710 00:55:16,546 --> 00:55:19,101 The young male has decided to train the group 711 00:55:19,101 --> 00:55:22,551 to find carcasses and bring them back. 712 00:55:22,551 --> 00:55:25,218 (rocks banging) 713 00:55:27,252 --> 00:55:29,763 He lays out his vision. 714 00:55:29,763 --> 00:55:34,509 (speaking in foreign language) 715 00:55:34,509 --> 00:55:38,305 His words evoke images of abundant feasts. 716 00:55:38,305 --> 00:55:40,857 (speaking in foreign language) 717 00:55:40,857 --> 00:55:43,190 He captures their attention. 718 00:55:45,529 --> 00:55:47,472 (speaking in foreign language) 719 00:55:47,472 --> 00:55:50,222 He wins them over with his words. 720 00:55:53,483 --> 00:55:57,483 (speaking in foreign language) 721 00:55:58,907 --> 00:56:02,604 The alpha understands that his dominance is under threat, 722 00:56:02,604 --> 00:56:06,022 his physical force no longer sufficient. 723 00:56:06,022 --> 00:56:10,022 (speaking in foreign language) 724 00:56:11,973 --> 00:56:14,806 So he takes the young male's idea. 725 00:56:17,565 --> 00:56:21,482 (inspiring instrumental music) 726 00:56:31,415 --> 00:56:33,666 The dream of plentiful food 727 00:56:33,666 --> 00:56:37,565 is leading them into dangerous territory. 728 00:56:37,565 --> 00:56:39,558 Sediba are prey. 729 00:56:39,558 --> 00:56:42,891 Without their trees they are vulnerable. 730 00:56:44,912 --> 00:56:48,352 And yet they march into the unknown, 731 00:56:48,352 --> 00:56:52,352 driven by an urge greater than any other to eat. 732 00:56:55,601 --> 00:56:59,458 They explore a continent inhabited by great carnivores 733 00:56:59,458 --> 00:57:01,314 on their hunt for carcasses left by 734 00:57:01,314 --> 00:57:03,397 the kings of the savanna. 735 00:57:05,012 --> 00:57:07,450 Who would think that this band of scavengers 736 00:57:07,450 --> 00:57:10,033 would soon dominate the planet? 737 00:57:10,969 --> 00:57:14,552 (inspiring dramatic music) 738 00:57:34,066 --> 00:57:38,066 (speaking in foreign language) 739 00:57:39,572 --> 00:57:41,655 When a carcass is found, 740 00:57:41,655 --> 00:57:44,208 everyone should take their turn. 741 00:57:44,208 --> 00:57:46,214 First the top predators. 742 00:57:46,214 --> 00:57:48,231 Then the hyenas. 743 00:57:48,231 --> 00:57:50,481 The vultures, and the rest. 744 00:57:51,612 --> 00:57:55,279 It's crucial to get there at the right time. 745 00:57:56,331 --> 00:57:58,998 The alpha doesn't know that yet. 746 00:58:09,764 --> 00:58:12,868 (soft dramatic music) 747 00:58:12,868 --> 00:58:16,868 (speaking in foreign language) 748 00:58:29,186 --> 00:58:31,853 (lion growling) 749 00:58:43,864 --> 00:58:46,197 (screaming) 750 00:58:52,113 --> 00:58:54,863 (dramatic music) 751 00:58:56,963 --> 00:58:59,296 (screaming) 752 00:59:02,738 --> 00:59:05,405 (lion growling) 753 00:59:16,946 --> 00:59:19,196 (coughing) 754 00:59:20,819 --> 00:59:23,402 (lion roaring) 755 00:59:28,630 --> 00:59:31,402 (cub roaring) 756 00:59:31,402 --> 00:59:34,735 (screaming and gasping) 757 00:59:48,813 --> 00:59:52,813 (speaking in foreign language) 758 00:59:54,708 --> 00:59:56,115 Their tree. 759 00:59:56,115 --> 00:59:59,365 They should never have left their tree. 760 01:00:00,634 --> 01:00:02,235 It is perhaps at this moment 761 01:00:02,235 --> 01:00:04,190 that the fate of the entire human race 762 01:00:04,190 --> 01:00:05,940 hangs in the balance. 763 01:00:08,095 --> 01:00:10,021 They could retreat to the safety of the tree 764 01:00:10,021 --> 01:00:12,438 and risk dying of starvation. 765 01:00:15,206 --> 01:00:17,302 Or they could head into the unknown, 766 01:00:17,302 --> 01:00:18,920 risking being attacked, 767 01:00:18,920 --> 01:00:21,337 but having the chance to eat. 768 01:00:23,803 --> 01:00:25,651 What should they do? 769 01:00:25,651 --> 01:00:29,796 The young female doesn't know what to choose. 770 01:00:29,796 --> 01:00:33,379 Everything is telling them to seek shelter. 771 01:00:34,477 --> 01:00:37,727 Is there another life beyond the trees? 772 01:00:41,944 --> 01:00:44,878 The group splits into two factions. 773 01:00:44,878 --> 01:00:47,945 Some follow the young female while the others 774 01:00:47,945 --> 01:00:49,778 head back to the tree. 775 01:00:51,699 --> 01:00:53,690 In fact, it is the weaker ones that will 776 01:00:53,690 --> 01:00:56,300 make the right choice. 777 01:00:56,300 --> 01:00:59,967 They will risk everything for a better life. 778 01:01:02,275 --> 01:01:05,959 The strong, never one to give up their privileges. 779 01:01:05,959 --> 01:01:09,689 Those that leave are guided by the imagination. 780 01:01:09,689 --> 01:01:12,272 Open spaces, prey in abundance, 781 01:01:13,427 --> 01:01:14,927 food for everyone. 782 01:01:17,642 --> 01:01:19,918 They dream of another world, 783 01:01:19,918 --> 01:01:23,501 a better world up there over the mountains. 784 01:01:26,283 --> 01:01:28,438 Even the old female, 785 01:01:28,438 --> 01:01:30,160 her energy nearly spent, 786 01:01:30,160 --> 01:01:31,993 is galvanized by hope. 787 01:01:37,515 --> 01:01:41,098 (inspiring dramatic music) 788 01:01:45,401 --> 01:01:47,982 This world does exist. 789 01:01:47,982 --> 01:01:49,815 A vast land of riches. 790 01:01:51,745 --> 01:01:55,912 (speaking in rudimentary language) 791 01:02:03,364 --> 01:02:06,980 If some of us hadn't had this astonishing courage, 792 01:02:06,980 --> 01:02:09,147 we wouldn't be here today. 793 01:02:14,189 --> 01:02:16,616 Those that have chosen to stay near the trees 794 01:02:16,616 --> 01:02:19,000 will survive for a time. 795 01:02:19,000 --> 01:02:20,853 They will be known as Paranthropus, 796 01:02:20,853 --> 01:02:22,527 or almost humans. 797 01:02:22,527 --> 01:02:24,340 But they will not be able to adapt 798 01:02:24,340 --> 01:02:26,757 to the next climatic changes. 799 01:02:29,232 --> 01:02:32,158 We thought that Lucy, the most famous Australopithecus, 800 01:02:32,158 --> 01:02:33,984 was the grandmother of humanity. 801 01:02:33,984 --> 01:02:35,081 We were wrong. 802 01:02:35,081 --> 01:02:37,309 Lucy was in fact one of these almost humans 803 01:02:37,309 --> 01:02:39,460 and her descendants died out 804 01:02:39,460 --> 01:02:41,293 a million years later. 805 01:02:47,128 --> 01:02:49,176 Those that left the savanna 806 01:02:49,176 --> 01:02:51,409 freed themselves from a life in the trees, 807 01:02:51,409 --> 01:02:54,576 and had to invent a new way of living. 808 01:02:56,510 --> 01:02:59,875 The world isn't exactly as they imagined. 809 01:02:59,875 --> 01:03:01,887 There are riches all around, 810 01:03:01,887 --> 01:03:04,637 but there are just as many traps. 811 01:03:06,611 --> 01:03:09,009 Limitless space lies ahead of us 812 01:03:09,009 --> 01:03:12,601 and nothing will stop our advance. 813 01:03:12,601 --> 01:03:14,934 Is this how man became free? 814 01:03:15,828 --> 01:03:18,827 Is this how we became truly human? 815 01:03:18,827 --> 01:03:20,598 Some believe so. 816 01:03:20,598 --> 01:03:23,681 But is there still something missing? 817 01:03:25,377 --> 01:03:28,405 After the sediba, a new species emerges, 818 01:03:28,405 --> 01:03:30,440 a very mobile man. 819 01:03:30,440 --> 01:03:32,041 The next character in our story is 820 01:03:32,041 --> 01:03:35,291 an unparalleled explorer, Homo erectus. 821 01:03:40,124 --> 01:03:43,638 Five million years ago the two Americas collided. 822 01:03:43,638 --> 01:03:46,374 This led to the creation of the Gulf Stream. 823 01:03:46,374 --> 01:03:49,050 This warm current travels from the Gulf of Mexico 824 01:03:49,050 --> 01:03:51,726 up towards the Arctic and plunges into the ocean, 825 01:03:51,726 --> 01:03:53,726 taking the heat with it. 826 01:03:56,288 --> 01:03:57,894 The polar icecap formed, 827 01:03:57,894 --> 01:04:01,311 the earth cooled and entered the Ice Age. 828 01:04:06,951 --> 01:04:10,827 The green plains of the Sahara dried out. 829 01:04:10,827 --> 01:04:12,851 Two million years ago, 830 01:04:12,851 --> 01:04:15,159 populations of herbivores left Africa 831 01:04:15,159 --> 01:04:17,702 in search of new pastures. 832 01:04:17,702 --> 01:04:20,052 Homo erectus followed. 833 01:04:20,052 --> 01:04:23,303 Some of our ancestors migrated to Europe, 834 01:04:23,303 --> 01:04:25,342 others to Asia. 835 01:04:25,342 --> 01:04:27,756 They crossed mountains and deserts, 836 01:04:27,756 --> 01:04:29,339 forests and swamps. 837 01:04:30,885 --> 01:04:35,052 They traveled unthinkable distances into the unknown. 838 01:04:38,069 --> 01:04:40,049 Driven by the spirit of conquest 839 01:04:40,049 --> 01:04:42,523 passed down to them from their ancestors, 840 01:04:42,523 --> 01:04:44,940 they migrate to the far east. 841 01:04:46,017 --> 01:04:49,934 (inspiring instrumental music) 842 01:04:52,412 --> 01:04:56,579 The north of China, home of the Chinese Homo erectus. 843 01:05:06,270 --> 01:05:10,757 Homo erectus possesses the anatomy of a champion. 844 01:05:10,757 --> 01:05:13,579 This man of the plains is born to run. 845 01:05:13,579 --> 01:05:16,626 A vertical body propelled by his long legs 846 01:05:16,626 --> 01:05:18,838 and balanced by his arms. 847 01:05:18,838 --> 01:05:21,103 He is equipped with an extraordinary internal 848 01:05:21,103 --> 01:05:24,315 cooling system, a body covered in short hairs, 849 01:05:24,315 --> 01:05:27,518 sweat glands that allow perspiration, 850 01:05:27,518 --> 01:05:29,484 and in his brain 851 01:05:29,484 --> 01:05:32,062 a blood-purifying system 852 01:05:32,062 --> 01:05:34,729 that regulates body temperature. 853 01:05:35,678 --> 01:05:39,845 This gives him the most stamina of any living creature. 854 01:05:42,174 --> 01:05:46,007 Homo erectus has now become a big game hunter. 855 01:05:49,142 --> 01:05:51,337 Like wolves they track their prey 856 01:05:51,337 --> 01:05:53,254 across great distances. 857 01:05:54,809 --> 01:05:57,125 They are slower, but can run a lot longer 858 01:05:57,125 --> 01:05:58,458 than their prey. 859 01:06:07,219 --> 01:06:09,963 When the prey is exhausted, 860 01:06:09,963 --> 01:06:11,463 they set the trap. 861 01:06:21,327 --> 01:06:24,373 For Homo erectus, power is not reserved 862 01:06:24,373 --> 01:06:25,919 for the males. 863 01:06:25,919 --> 01:06:27,468 The difference in size between males 864 01:06:27,468 --> 01:06:29,515 and females has reduced. 865 01:06:29,515 --> 01:06:31,316 The rule of the strongest has been replaced 866 01:06:31,316 --> 01:06:34,233 by the leadership of the cleverest. 867 01:06:36,663 --> 01:06:40,036 In this group, a female is in charge. 868 01:06:40,036 --> 01:06:41,682 Her ability to anticipate, 869 01:06:41,682 --> 01:06:43,888 her intelligence and her political skill 870 01:06:43,888 --> 01:06:46,055 have made her their chief. 871 01:06:47,114 --> 01:06:50,281 (soft dramatic music) 872 01:07:05,789 --> 01:07:08,122 (screaming) 873 01:07:09,228 --> 01:07:12,728 (sweeping dramatic music) 874 01:07:19,961 --> 01:07:22,857 No longer scavengers competing with vultures, 875 01:07:22,857 --> 01:07:25,848 thanks to their weapons and collective organization, 876 01:07:25,848 --> 01:07:29,848 Homo erectus now compete with the top predators. 877 01:07:30,690 --> 01:07:33,666 But they have become dependent on their prey. 878 01:07:33,666 --> 01:07:36,356 They must follow them wherever they go. 879 01:07:36,356 --> 01:07:38,356 They have become nomads. 880 01:07:39,826 --> 01:07:42,919 And so they build shelters on their travels. 881 01:07:42,919 --> 01:07:45,694 Their ancestors adapted to their environment. 882 01:07:45,694 --> 01:07:47,777 They are transforming it. 883 01:07:58,354 --> 01:08:00,854 Finding a site to set up camp. 884 01:08:01,769 --> 01:08:04,053 They are building the first shelters. 885 01:08:04,053 --> 01:08:06,361 Sometimes enclosed by fences, 886 01:08:06,361 --> 01:08:10,028 camps that allow them to protect themselves. 887 01:08:14,301 --> 01:08:18,468 (speaking in rudimentary language) 888 01:08:19,486 --> 01:08:23,785 Homo erectus has created a more complex society. 889 01:08:23,785 --> 01:08:26,853 Each member of the group now has a role 890 01:08:26,853 --> 01:08:30,449 often according to their particular skills. 891 01:08:30,449 --> 01:08:33,033 Some are skilled at shaping rocks. 892 01:08:33,033 --> 01:08:35,119 Others for cutting meat. 893 01:08:35,119 --> 01:08:37,875 Social functions appear for tanning hides 894 01:08:37,875 --> 01:08:39,625 or building shelters. 895 01:08:41,796 --> 01:08:44,175 Work and the distribution of tasks 896 01:08:44,175 --> 01:08:45,857 are now a part of human life, 897 01:08:45,857 --> 01:08:49,656 with all the pressures and conflicts that come with them. 898 01:08:49,656 --> 01:08:51,691 (speaking in rudimentary language) 899 01:08:51,691 --> 01:08:54,441 Clearly some do more than others. 900 01:08:56,290 --> 01:09:00,123 The leader of the group must maintain justice. 901 01:09:03,938 --> 01:09:06,516 The most important moment of the day 902 01:09:06,516 --> 01:09:09,099 is when the food is shared out. 903 01:09:10,513 --> 01:09:14,203 Serving some first with the best cuts, 904 01:09:14,203 --> 01:09:17,610 giving a little extra to someone she may need soon, 905 01:09:17,610 --> 01:09:21,844 establishing a hierarchy and nurturing alliances. 906 01:09:21,844 --> 01:09:23,851 The fine details of the social life 907 01:09:23,851 --> 01:09:25,851 require political skill. 908 01:09:27,929 --> 01:09:32,490 (speaking in rudimentary language) 909 01:09:32,490 --> 01:09:34,203 To protect their bodies, 910 01:09:34,203 --> 01:09:37,632 Homo erectus have clothes made from plants, 911 01:09:37,632 --> 01:09:38,965 hides, and bark. 912 01:09:42,032 --> 01:09:44,949 (thunder clapping) 913 01:09:51,559 --> 01:09:52,894 (flies buzzing) 914 01:09:52,894 --> 01:09:55,690 But this brings its own problems. 915 01:09:55,690 --> 01:09:58,357 Parasites have found a new home. 916 01:09:59,209 --> 01:10:01,426 A body covered in thin visible skin 917 01:10:01,426 --> 01:10:05,009 is easy and enticing prey for bloodsuckers. 918 01:10:09,244 --> 01:10:12,161 (thunder clapping) 919 01:10:13,421 --> 01:10:15,921 They no longer fear predators. 920 01:10:18,550 --> 01:10:21,645 But another enemy now stalks them. 921 01:10:21,645 --> 01:10:24,145 More dangerous, more ruthless. 922 01:10:26,961 --> 01:10:29,878 (thunder clapping) 923 01:10:35,966 --> 01:10:40,102 The world is still full of unexplained phenomena. 924 01:10:40,102 --> 01:10:42,890 Homo erectus has an inquiring mind, 925 01:10:42,890 --> 01:10:44,914 trying to make sense of the mysteries 926 01:10:44,914 --> 01:10:46,414 that surround him. 927 01:10:49,424 --> 01:10:53,714 One of the greatest is about to be revealed. 928 01:10:53,714 --> 01:10:56,631 (thunder clapping) 929 01:11:03,109 --> 01:11:07,937 (yelling in rudimentary language) 930 01:11:07,937 --> 01:11:09,523 (dramatic music) 931 01:11:09,523 --> 01:11:11,146 It's here. 932 01:11:11,146 --> 01:11:14,063 (thunder clapping) 933 01:11:15,346 --> 01:11:17,680 This savage beast appears in some dry 934 01:11:17,680 --> 01:11:19,931 seasons to take lives. 935 01:11:19,931 --> 01:11:24,098 (speaking in rudimentary language) 936 01:11:32,268 --> 01:11:35,018 (dramatic music) 937 01:11:38,550 --> 01:11:40,383 It is a huge creature. 938 01:11:41,240 --> 01:11:43,490 They must prepare to fight. 939 01:11:45,124 --> 01:11:49,291 (yelling in rudimentary language) 940 01:12:02,869 --> 01:12:05,619 (fire crackling) 941 01:12:13,494 --> 01:12:14,994 They are defeated. 942 01:12:23,469 --> 01:12:26,802 (solemn dramatic music) 943 01:12:33,024 --> 01:12:35,357 They save whatever they can. 944 01:12:40,674 --> 01:12:44,841 (yelling in rudimentary language) 945 01:12:47,539 --> 01:12:50,872 (solemn dramatic music) 946 01:13:09,238 --> 01:13:11,988 (fire crackling) 947 01:13:17,917 --> 01:13:21,250 (solemn dramatic music) 948 01:13:40,583 --> 01:13:44,750 In a few hours, the fire has destroyed their world. 949 01:13:47,202 --> 01:13:49,525 Their camp has gone up in smoke 950 01:13:49,525 --> 01:13:53,025 and the herds have deserted the landscape. 951 01:14:02,437 --> 01:14:06,270 But Homo erectus is about to make a discovery. 952 01:14:11,752 --> 01:14:14,002 What is that powerful odor? 953 01:14:15,073 --> 01:14:18,156 What are these mouth-watering smells? 954 01:14:21,232 --> 01:14:25,399 (speaking in rudimentary language) 955 01:14:33,106 --> 01:14:36,356 An animal has been trapped in the fire. 956 01:14:47,092 --> 01:14:49,342 (grunting) 957 01:14:50,442 --> 01:14:54,609 Its flesh is still good and has a delicious taste. 958 01:14:57,268 --> 01:15:00,085 This is perhaps how Homo erectus discovered 959 01:15:00,085 --> 01:15:02,752 this remarkable property of fire 960 01:15:03,790 --> 01:15:04,873 to cook food. 961 01:15:07,026 --> 01:15:09,473 As well as the taste, they will soon notice 962 01:15:09,473 --> 01:15:13,490 that the meat is easier to chew and digest. 963 01:15:13,490 --> 01:15:16,558 And what about those awful roots? 964 01:15:16,558 --> 01:15:18,725 Cooked they are delicious. 965 01:15:19,975 --> 01:15:23,642 They require 16 times less energy to digest. 966 01:15:25,176 --> 01:15:27,758 An amazing discovery. 967 01:15:27,758 --> 01:15:31,875 (speaking in rudimentary language) 968 01:15:31,875 --> 01:15:34,540 Cooked food will allow us to reduce the size 969 01:15:34,540 --> 01:15:38,040 of our jaw muscles and develop our brains. 970 01:15:41,412 --> 01:15:43,752 We will walk with a lighter step 971 01:15:43,752 --> 01:15:45,252 and think clearer. 972 01:15:48,835 --> 01:15:52,051 Our brains will become high-powered machines 973 01:15:52,051 --> 01:15:53,985 capable of associations, 974 01:15:53,985 --> 01:15:57,235 constructed thoughts, and new emotions. 975 01:16:11,231 --> 01:16:13,268 It is likely that the aesthetic sense 976 01:16:13,268 --> 01:16:15,185 developed at this time. 977 01:16:20,297 --> 01:16:23,797 Shapes and lights elicited new sensations. 978 01:16:25,393 --> 01:16:29,060 We were affected by the beauty of the world. 979 01:16:30,277 --> 01:16:33,027 (majestic music) 980 01:16:42,551 --> 01:16:45,134 (wind howling) 981 01:16:49,247 --> 01:16:53,290 They are all dreaming about that delicious food, 982 01:16:53,290 --> 01:16:55,623 but lack the key ingredient. 983 01:16:58,554 --> 01:17:01,721 (soft dramatic music) 984 01:17:04,080 --> 01:17:04,913 Fire. 985 01:17:05,776 --> 01:17:09,221 If only they knew how to obtain it. 986 01:17:09,221 --> 01:17:12,388 (soft dramatic music) 987 01:17:20,286 --> 01:17:24,453 (speaking in rudimentary language) 988 01:17:26,670 --> 01:17:30,167 That one looks more and seems alone. 989 01:17:30,167 --> 01:17:32,549 Maybe they can capture it. 990 01:17:32,549 --> 01:17:36,716 (speaking in rudimentary language) 991 01:18:15,378 --> 01:18:17,247 Another group. 992 01:18:17,247 --> 01:18:19,653 They have captured the beast. 993 01:18:19,653 --> 01:18:23,820 (speaking in rudimentary language) 994 01:18:24,733 --> 01:18:27,650 (flames crackling) 995 01:18:31,065 --> 01:18:32,694 Technology. 996 01:18:32,694 --> 01:18:35,663 In this new world nothing is more important. 997 01:18:35,663 --> 01:18:38,746 They are ready to fight to obtain it. 998 01:18:46,236 --> 01:18:48,569 (screaming) 999 01:19:04,251 --> 01:19:08,418 (speaking in rudimentary language) 1000 01:19:26,241 --> 01:19:28,054 They could fight, but the young chief 1001 01:19:28,054 --> 01:19:29,804 has a different idea. 1002 01:19:32,882 --> 01:19:36,095 His clan know how to control fire. 1003 01:19:36,095 --> 01:19:37,719 The other has a greater skill in working 1004 01:19:37,719 --> 01:19:39,552 hides and accessories. 1005 01:19:46,302 --> 01:19:50,469 (speaking in rudimentary language) 1006 01:20:19,641 --> 01:20:23,391 This period saw the first instances of trade. 1007 01:20:25,412 --> 01:20:30,093 (speaking in rudimentary language) 1008 01:20:30,093 --> 01:20:32,580 Through objects, the techniques that go with them 1009 01:20:32,580 --> 01:20:34,998 travel between clans. 1010 01:20:34,998 --> 01:20:39,165 (speaking in rudimentary language) 1011 01:21:01,735 --> 01:21:03,902 (blowing) 1012 01:21:12,051 --> 01:21:14,554 A new era for humanity. 1013 01:21:14,554 --> 01:21:16,721 The exchange of knowledge. 1014 01:21:18,891 --> 01:21:21,299 Thanks to traditions and language, 1015 01:21:21,299 --> 01:21:25,734 knowledge accumulates and the spread of skills accelerates 1016 01:21:25,734 --> 01:21:27,401 over vast distances. 1017 01:21:32,366 --> 01:21:34,616 (laughing) 1018 01:21:36,362 --> 01:21:40,195 From now on everything will move a lot faster. 1019 01:21:42,037 --> 01:21:43,987 No wonder the use of fire appeared so 1020 01:21:43,987 --> 01:21:47,070 suddenly and across the entire world. 1021 01:21:49,456 --> 01:21:52,813 The young chief is attracted to this woman. 1022 01:21:52,813 --> 01:21:55,480 Her face stirs something in him. 1023 01:21:59,750 --> 01:22:02,045 At this point in our history, 1024 01:22:02,045 --> 01:22:05,295 the first real couples begin to appear. 1025 01:22:08,927 --> 01:22:13,094 Selecting, desiring, and seeking intimate moments alone. 1026 01:22:15,187 --> 01:22:18,687 (soft instrumental music) 1027 01:22:34,951 --> 01:22:39,118 Aesthetics now play a role in sexual relationships. 1028 01:22:40,122 --> 01:22:42,161 Bodies are covered in colors. 1029 01:22:42,161 --> 01:22:44,661 Styles, decorations to arouse. 1030 01:23:01,720 --> 01:23:04,187 Sexuality brings people together, 1031 01:23:04,187 --> 01:23:06,583 but something else is happening. 1032 01:23:06,583 --> 01:23:10,416 A story of bonds that build and grow and last. 1033 01:23:13,462 --> 01:23:16,629 The story of love is still being told. 1034 01:23:23,320 --> 01:23:25,259 The domestication of fire changed the lives 1035 01:23:25,259 --> 01:23:27,479 of the first humans and gave them warmth, 1036 01:23:27,479 --> 01:23:30,196 protection from insects and predators, 1037 01:23:30,196 --> 01:23:33,007 cured their ailments, illuminated the dark, 1038 01:23:33,007 --> 01:23:35,683 sharpened the points on their spears, 1039 01:23:35,683 --> 01:23:37,266 made them stronger. 1040 01:23:43,572 --> 01:23:45,498 But the greatest advance was in 1041 01:23:45,498 --> 01:23:47,248 the domain of speech. 1042 01:23:48,546 --> 01:23:51,748 Thanks to the development of our left brain 1043 01:23:51,748 --> 01:23:54,282 and a small evolution in the throat, 1044 01:23:54,282 --> 01:23:57,865 the larynx, our speech became so articulate 1045 01:24:01,797 --> 01:24:04,221 that we could evoke the past, 1046 01:24:04,221 --> 01:24:06,721 (speaking in rudimentary language) 1047 01:24:06,721 --> 01:24:08,646 speak of the future, 1048 01:24:08,646 --> 01:24:12,494 (speaking in rudimentary language) 1049 01:24:12,494 --> 01:24:13,737 recount stories, 1050 01:24:13,737 --> 01:24:17,904 (speaking in rudimentary language) 1051 01:24:26,066 --> 01:24:26,899 imagine. 1052 01:24:27,831 --> 01:24:31,998 (speaking in rudimentary language) 1053 01:24:33,938 --> 01:24:36,521 The old woman is a storyteller. 1054 01:24:42,540 --> 01:24:43,457 Who are we? 1055 01:24:45,198 --> 01:24:46,698 Where are we from? 1056 01:24:48,625 --> 01:24:51,069 She tells the story of these people 1057 01:24:51,069 --> 01:24:53,099 and their exploits. 1058 01:24:53,099 --> 01:24:57,252 (speaking in rudimentary language) 1059 01:24:57,252 --> 01:25:01,161 These tales give meaning to their lives. 1060 01:25:01,161 --> 01:25:05,856 (speaking in rudimentary language) 1061 01:25:05,856 --> 01:25:09,106 Perhaps it is this that makes us human. 1062 01:25:11,043 --> 01:25:15,210 (speaking in rudimentary language) 1063 01:25:20,118 --> 01:25:24,201 The first man is the one that can tell his story. 1064 01:25:29,612 --> 01:25:33,779 (speaking in rudimentary language) 1065 01:25:37,643 --> 01:25:41,143 (soft instrumental music) 1066 01:25:47,469 --> 01:25:51,190 Homo erectus will continue to populate the earth. 1067 01:25:51,190 --> 01:25:55,357 With their skills they will adapt to every climate. 1068 01:25:57,172 --> 01:25:59,338 Different populations begin to diverge 1069 01:25:59,338 --> 01:26:03,171 genetically and give rise to new types of man. 1070 01:26:07,612 --> 01:26:10,659 In furthest China, Homo erectus would become 1071 01:26:10,659 --> 01:26:12,409 Beijing Man, a giant. 1072 01:26:14,238 --> 01:26:16,155 In Indonesia, Solo Man. 1073 01:26:19,358 --> 01:26:21,561 At his edges on Flores Island, 1074 01:26:21,561 --> 01:26:24,478 a tiny man of no more than a meter. 1075 01:26:25,354 --> 01:26:28,354 In central Asia, he is Denisova Man. 1076 01:26:30,883 --> 01:26:32,273 In the cold of Europe, 1077 01:26:32,273 --> 01:26:34,849 Homo erectus has become a Neanderthal, 1078 01:26:34,849 --> 01:26:37,848 a massive heavy man of incredible strength. 1079 01:26:37,848 --> 01:26:40,392 He can withstand extreme cold. 1080 01:26:40,392 --> 01:26:42,407 His skin whitens to better absorb 1081 01:26:42,407 --> 01:26:43,707 the weak sunlight. 1082 01:26:43,707 --> 01:26:46,290 His eyes and hair grow lighter. 1083 01:26:48,872 --> 01:26:52,344 In Africa, he becomes Homo sapiens, 1084 01:26:52,344 --> 01:26:54,158 and it is through him that the greatest 1085 01:26:54,158 --> 01:26:55,741 changes will occur. 1086 01:26:58,108 --> 01:27:02,031 At least six species of humans populate the ancient world. 1087 01:27:02,031 --> 01:27:04,082 Each develops according to their environment 1088 01:27:04,082 --> 01:27:06,971 and creates its own culture. 1089 01:27:06,971 --> 01:27:11,005 But this multi-faceted humanity won't last long. 1090 01:27:11,005 --> 01:27:15,102 Homo sapiens will soon replace them all. 1091 01:27:15,102 --> 01:27:18,602 (soft instrumental music) 1092 01:27:33,379 --> 01:27:35,688 Around a 100,000 years ago, 1093 01:27:35,688 --> 01:27:39,755 Homo sapiens turned the world of man upside down, 1094 01:27:39,755 --> 01:27:42,073 invented more complex societies, 1095 01:27:42,073 --> 01:27:45,406 and proved more inventive in every area. 1096 01:27:48,207 --> 01:27:50,957 (birds chirping) 1097 01:28:04,249 --> 01:28:08,416 (speaking in rudimentary language) 1098 01:28:12,488 --> 01:28:14,821 (screaming) 1099 01:28:18,051 --> 01:28:20,301 (laughing) 1100 01:28:31,964 --> 01:28:36,035 How will he go on to invent art, skill, 1101 01:28:36,035 --> 01:28:37,285 beliefs, magic, 1102 01:28:39,447 --> 01:28:41,018 writing, 1103 01:28:41,018 --> 01:28:42,768 medicine and science? 1104 01:28:43,757 --> 01:28:47,332 His extraordinary imagination certainly helps, 1105 01:28:47,332 --> 01:28:49,047 but so does the knowledge accumulated 1106 01:28:49,047 --> 01:28:50,802 by his forefathers. 1107 01:28:50,802 --> 01:28:52,469 The Pierola, Toumai, 1108 01:28:53,689 --> 01:28:55,772 sediba, and Homo erectus. 1109 01:28:58,356 --> 01:29:00,510 They have left us a heritage of millions 1110 01:29:00,510 --> 01:29:02,151 of years of evolution, 1111 01:29:02,151 --> 01:29:04,093 one through the impulse to live 1112 01:29:04,093 --> 01:29:06,510 and a fierce desire to learn. 1113 01:29:09,366 --> 01:29:12,658 With this knowledge passed down through the ages, 1114 01:29:12,658 --> 01:29:15,569 this great dreamer gave rise to the diversity 1115 01:29:15,569 --> 01:29:17,575 of peoples today. 1116 01:29:17,575 --> 01:29:21,075 (soft instrumental music) 1117 01:29:24,208 --> 01:29:26,215 A hundred thousand years ago, 1118 01:29:26,215 --> 01:29:29,506 Homo sapiens left, just like his ancestors, 1119 01:29:29,506 --> 01:29:31,256 to conquer the world. 1120 01:29:32,294 --> 01:29:36,395 He left Africa and spread out across the globe. 1121 01:29:36,395 --> 01:29:38,312 He mastered navigation. 1122 01:29:40,673 --> 01:29:44,256 Crossed the seas and vast spacial expanses. 1123 01:29:45,174 --> 01:29:47,484 He traveled to Australia, 1124 01:29:47,484 --> 01:29:49,686 to America over the Bering Strait 1125 01:29:49,686 --> 01:29:52,769 and soon inhabited the entire planet. 1126 01:29:54,481 --> 01:29:56,293 He occasionally intermingled with those 1127 01:29:56,293 --> 01:29:59,435 that went before, but everywhere he went 1128 01:29:59,435 --> 01:30:02,518 the other species of man disappeared. 1129 01:30:04,037 --> 01:30:07,507 His appearance changed according to climate and place. 1130 01:30:07,507 --> 01:30:11,726 His skin, his hair, the shape of his eyes. 1131 01:30:11,726 --> 01:30:14,205 From him arose a multitude of peoples, 1132 01:30:14,205 --> 01:30:16,478 all looking different, 1133 01:30:16,478 --> 01:30:19,618 but deep down the genes are the same. 1134 01:30:19,618 --> 01:30:24,227 Genes developed through millions of years of evolution. 1135 01:30:24,227 --> 01:30:27,252 He is the father of the entire human race 1136 01:30:27,252 --> 01:30:28,502 on earth today. 1137 01:30:29,920 --> 01:30:32,661 He is the only human on earth, 1138 01:30:32,661 --> 01:30:37,228 but his presence shines with a million fires. 1139 01:30:37,228 --> 01:30:40,061 (dramatic music)