BBC Two is to explore the beginnings of the human race in a new “landmark
series” presented by Dr Alice Roberts.
Using the latest genetic, climate and archaeological evidence, she will discover
the five epic routes our ancestors took across the globe, and the obstacles and
brutal challenges they encountered along the way.
According to the BBC the series will show how most humans descended from a tiny
group of men and women who left Africa in a perilous crossing, why different
ethnic groups look the way they do, what makes some of us able to tolerate milk
and alcohol, and why others are great at conserving heat.
Dr Roberts will interrogate the evidence to address mysteries including how our
ancestors reached Australia without boats and what happened when they came
face-to-face with other human species like Homo erectus.
Series producer Kim Shillinglaw says the series “will follow a trail of clues,
driven by the very latest scientific research, including the recent
archaeological finds and new research into genetics and climate history.”
“And, by the end of the series, we’ll have trodden in the footsteps of our
ancestors through 160,000 years of history.”
The Human Journey is expected to air early 2009
