Synopsis
This is not a book about archaeological sites. We shall come across flint tools, bones, skulls, surprising structures, and layers of earth that we can date to different periods—but they are not the heart of the matter. This book is about us, human beings, and about our place in the world. About what we have done, where we came from, which other humans used to be here, why they are no longer with us, and how and why our lives have changed. It’s also about where we went wrong. What did early humans do because they had no choice, and what is the price we are paying for this now?
Taking as the focus ten sites in Israel, the land corridor through which the human species passed on its journey from Africa to Europe, the story ranges far and wide from France, Spain, Turkey and Georgia to Morocco and South Africa, North America, Columbia and Peru. The authors follow the footsteps of our ancestors, describing the tools they used, the animals they hunted and the monuments they built. Fascinating revelations include:
- The earliest evidence of human use of fire;
- The meaning of cave art and the transformative effect of touching rock;
- The woman for whom 90 tortoises were sacrificed;
- What happened in the Levant following the disappearance of elephants;
- The monumental tower built at the lowest place on earth;
- Why we should envy modern hunter-gatherers – and much more …
Review
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
“They Were Here Before Us” is a thought-provoking journey into the depths of prehistory, unravelling the mysteries of early human history. This engaging non-fiction work takes readers on an archaeological odyssey, exploring the remnants of ancient cultures and the clues they left behind.
The book states in its introduction that it isn’t a book about archaeological sites, but rather about human archaeology, and about what humans have done. Each chapter seeks to answer several questions, as well as focusing on certain time periods and places. Each chapter is a revelation, filled with rich details about how these early humans lived, survived, and eventually thrived. The authors paint a vivid picture of a world both alien and familiar, offering insights into the foundations of humanity.
The lack of “scientific jargon”, as the authors refer to it, is actually refreshing in a non-fiction archaeology book. While I might be able to understand the “jargon” given my background in archaeology and history, a casual reader who might be interested in the subject would have a harder time, and the lack of such specific terms makes this book far more accessible to a general reader. “They Were Here Before Us” excels in its ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for all readers.
As a reader with a background in archaeology, I was thoroughly impressed by the depth of research and the eloquent narrative style of the authors, as well as by the meticulous authors’ ability to breathe life into ancient artefacts while telling the story of our human ancestors.
It’s challenging to find fault in “They Were Here Before Us,” as it strikes a perfect balance between scholarly rigour and narrative engagement. If anything, readers may find themselves longing for more content, given the rich and expansive subject matter the authors tackle so adeptly.
In the realm of historical and archaeological literature, this book is a standout. It bears comparison to works like Yuval Noah Harari’s “Sapiens,” yet distinguishes itself with a more focused lens on the deep past and a unique narrative approach that is both intimate and enlightening.
I highly recommend “They Were Here Before Us” to anyone with an interest in human history, archaeology, or anthropology. It is a must-read for those who seek a deeper understanding of our species’ remarkable journey.
Overall, it’s a very interesting book and fun to read. It isn’t dry at all, as some history and non-fiction books are prone to being. The reader’s attention is captured immediately by the introduction, which was brief as promised and very engaging.
Eyal Halfon and Ran Barkai have created an exceptional work in “They Were Here Before Us: Stories from the First Million Years.” It is a testament to their expertise and passion for the subject, offering readers a window into a world long gone but never forgotten.
The Ink Thief 