Before We Ruled the Earth

00:00:16 Just to stay alive was the ultimate survival challenge.

00:02:34 ...but even these teeth can't efficiently scrape a carcass clean.

00:05:10 Only the luckiest survive.

00:07:09 This hominid has created a sharper, more versatile cutting tool...

00:08:42 ...to begin peopling the world.

00:09:53 ...the now extinct Irish Elk stands nine feet tall.

00:11:55 For there's one thing about fire they haven't yet mastered...

00:14:19 ...in a world where people live in tiny self-sustaining bands.

00:16:13 ...Homo erectus wrestled with the same problem.

00:18:35 But these Homo erectus have finally stumbled upon it.

00:21:00 They know how it reacts when chased.

00:22:35 Their weapons are the most lethal yet...

00:24:57 Yet.

00:26:07 ...sharp points to punch holes in skins.

00:28:12 This one small object would have a profound effect...

00:29:46 For the entire band to attempt a winter migration is sure death.

00:31:01 The skins they wear won't keep out all the cold and damp...

00:32:53 Do'og's nearly ready to give up.

00:35:00 They share the last of the dried meat.

00:39:31 We know more about Neanderthals than about any previous humans...

00:40:56 Like all early peoples, their senses are fine-tuned...

00:42:47 Bison are easily alarmed.

00:45:47 This encounter signals the beginning of the end for the Neanderthals.