Around 150,000 years ago, a new, large-brained species of human originated in East Africa and spread over most of the world, replacing all earlier forms of hominids. Capable of using language, and living in social groups similar to those of modern-day hunter gatherers, they were successful in spite of adverse conditions. As the Ice Age began to retreat about 15,000 years ago, they increased in numbers and adapted to changing environments, eventually developing into settled farming communities.
