Introduction

Two different models explanation the origin and dispersal patterns of modern humans. The first model, ‘out of Africa’, is based on the interpretations of several sources including the genetic evidence (mainly the mtDNA), the available fossils, and the wealth of archaeological evidence. The second, a competing model, known as the ‘multiregional continuity’, suggests an alternative interpretation of the same fossils, and gains support from the dichotomy between the lithic industries of East Asia and the rest of the Old World. In the former region, stone artifacts exemplify continuity through most of the Palaeolithic sequence, while the latter, the largest landmass, was characterized by relatively numerous turnovers in lithic technology and tool types. Such changes in composition of stone industries can be seen as supporting population turnovers.

Genetic studies propose rough chronological steps and geographic routes for the dispersals of humans into Eurasia. Based on these investigations, archaeologists test for corresponding evidence based on the stone artifacts and their manufacturing procedures. There is little doubt today that archaic (or near-) modern humans, originated in East Africa some 200 000 years ago (all dates are uncalibrated BP), and are represented by fossils from Omo-Kibish and Herto sites in Ethiopia (200 000-160 000 years ago), and later by the Skhul-Qafzeh group in Israel (120 00090 000 years ago). The paucity of fossils from most other parts of Asia, except for a few Chinese skulls, accounts for the many unknowns concerning this continent. This period is called in the archaeological terminology the Middle Palaeolithic in most of the Old World, except for sub-Saharan Africa where the

Common term is Middle Stone Age (MSA; a translation from the Greek-based term ‘Palaeolithic’).

Additional ‘out of Africa’ by the bearers of Upper Palaeolithic blade tools, and the first users of body ornaments, occurred some 55 000-45 000 years ago. Groups of these people colonized most of Europe and North Africa, and expanded through Western Asia into northern Asia. A southern route through the margins of the Arabian Peninsula into India is poorly known. By the time they reached SE Asia and Australia (c. 40 000 years ago), the production of flake industries was the common knapping method for shaping their tool kits. Hence, for brevity, this article discusses first the early wave of African migrants and then the second, known as the Upper Palaeolithic Revolution, or the dispersals of modern humans (Figure 1).