Several fossilized footprints were discovered in Kenya near Ileret earlier this week. Scientists estimate that these footprints were made nearly 1.5 million years ago by our early humanoid ancestors, Homo erectus. Most of the ancient footprints appear to be adult, however one set of footprints is believed to have been made by a child.
Archaeologists were able to calculate the approximate height of these early bipeds and it seems that the ancient people who left these footprints were around 5'7" tall. They also estimate that they were similar in weight to modern humans.
This find provides solid evidence that Homo sapiens, our species, which first appeared around 200,000 years ago were not the first bipeds. It proves that our ancient ancestors, the Homo erectus, were bipedal 1.5 million years ago. The impressions themselves are also astounding in their preservation. Many of these footprints appear to have been made just yesterday. These footprints are literally a walk in the past.
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