Welcome to the Prehistory of Philippines course.This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the hominins who inhabited the archipelago, tracing their presence from the earliest evidence of activity 700,000 years ago to the arrival and adaptation of Homo sapiens.
Through the course, you will investigate landmark discoveries — including the Kalinga findings, the unique Homo luzonensis, and the early modern human fossils from Tabon Cave — and examine the anatomical, behavioral, and ecological adaptations that shaped their lives on islands marked by shifting sea levels and diverse environments. You will also engage with ongoing research questions concerning migration routes, potential ancestors such as Homo erectus, and the evolutionary pathways that produced distinct island hominin lineages.
Designed for students and courius at all levels, the course brings together expert interviews, archaeological insights, and multimedia materials to build a rich understanding of the Philippines as a key region in human evolution. Join us as we uncover the complex story of hominin dispersals, island adaptation, and the deep roots of the Filipino people — an essential chapter in the broader narrative of our shared human past.
1. Introduction to Prehistory of Philippines
2. The discovery and the importance of Cagayan Valley
3. The Kalinga site: A game-chager for understanding human evolution
4. Callao Cave and Homo luzoniensis
5. Tabon cave and the arrival of Homo sapiens
6. Open questions about human peopling in the Philippines