Summary and Prospectus

The chapters of this volume have addressed many different aspects of our current understanding of the initial dispersal(s) of hominins from Africa and the initial colonization(s) of Eurasia. In each of the contributions the authors have identified how our understanding of early hominin dispersal has changed in recent years and areas in which there are unresolved problems. Although most chapters addressed specific topics or regions of this area of research, there were many overlapping themes that cut across individual contributions. These include the stimulus for the initial hominin dispersal from Africa, the number, timing, the likely routes of dispersal both within Africa and from Africa to and through Eurasia, the identities of the dispersing taxa, and other mammals that might have dispersed along with the hominins. Critical to any understanding of hominin dispersal are issues concerning our ability to identify hominin presence through either fossils or archeological remains, and to obtain accurate dates for this material. Finally, these unresolved issues suggest areas, both geographical and topical, for future research.