My followers might have already recognised my profound interest in our own history and that of the world at large. Despite my passion for various scientific ‘ologies’ like cosmology and archaeology, anthropology resonates with me the most.

Experts believe we diverged from our ape predecessors roughly seven to thirteen million years ago. Africa was our primal homeland, teeming with diverse hominoid species traversing its vast stretches.

After several million years on the African continent, some adventurous groups embarked on journeys beyond its confines, marking the beginnings of global colonisation. Approximately forty thousand years ago, four separate groups coexisted: Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, Denisovans, and a metre-tall species colloquially referred to as “Hobbits.” However, the latter three disappeared, joining the numerous other hominoids that didn’t survive, leaving us to traverse the vast planet alone.

Interestingly, Eurasians obtained 1 to 2% of their genetic composition from Neanderthals due to interbreeding. The Neanderthals, necessitated by the harsher climate outside of Africa, had developed various immunities, which they passed on to their descendants.

Adapting to the varying environmental conditions from the far north to the south of the planet, these four groups existed uniquely, although it’s possible more remain to be discovered. The lingering, unresolved mystery is why only Homo sapiens have survived until the present day.

Several theories have been proposed, including the possibility of one group’s aggression against another. Given our historical propensity for conflict, this seems plausible. It’s likely our ancestors would have viewed these other groups as lesser beings, possibly driving them to extinction, especially if territorial disputes were involved. We have a historical precedent of such behaviour, as observed in North America, Australia, and elsewhere. However, considering the global resources at the disposal of these small groups, competition was likely minimal. As their numbers increased, there may have been attempts to subjugate them, another unfortunate trait exhibited in human history. All these groups, however, shared an advanced level of intelligence compared to other mammals, providing them an edge in adapting to numerous and varied climatic changes.

Among the four groups, we seemed to be the fastest in developing technology like bows and arrows and intricate stone tools, suggesting a higher intellectual advancement. Possibly, our advanced language skills facilitated more effective communication and strategic planning. Our taller and more athletic physiques would also have made us faster. These abilities likely provided us an advantage in surviving harsher climatic conditions.

Anthropology is riddled with many unanswered questions, and it’s possible that we may never fully uncover some of them. As complex as the mysteries of the universe may be, we seem to have fewer answers to questions about our own origins, making anthropology an incredibly captivating field.