Human Antiquity Collection

1860s Charles Lyell portrait photo cdv
CDV photograph of Sir Charles Lyell (14th November 1797-22 February 1875) by John Watkins taken some time in the 1860 s. Lyell began his career as a lawyer

1697 Grays Inn first British handaxe
Steel plate engraving with later tinting of a handaxe discovered near the bones of an elephant by John Conyers in London 1697

1860 Perthes handaxes, Abbeville, Amiens
Fine lithographic plate with tinting according to the text, of " Predominant forms of flint implements found in the valley of the Somme" from " Artefacta Antiquissima - Geology in its

Joseph Prestwichs Somme human antiquity
Plate from " Theoretical considerations on () the drift deposits containing the remains of extinct mammalia and flint implements", 1864. Phil. Trans Roy Soc 154

1838 Cave Man engraving L Homme Fossile
Engraving of an ape-like cave man accompanying an article by Boitard in the French Magasin Universel (April 1838). This is the earliest reconstruction of a pre-historic human

1861 Fossil Man by Boitard
M. Boitards drawing of a decidedly simian fossil man was published after his death in the 1861 book " Paris Avant Les Hommes" (engraving by Moreau)

1880s Joseph Prestwich tinted photograph
1890s Joseph Prestwich photograph by Elliot and Fry, Swan electric engraving (with later tinting) being the frontispiece to " Life and Letters of Sir Joseph Prestwich" 1899

1855 Joseph Prestwich portrait photograph

Four British Paleolithic handaxes
Four pointed British paleolithic (Mode 2 acheulian) handaxes. These were made from flint (silex) by Homo Heidelbergensis between approximately 400, 000 and 100, 000 years ago

First tools, three North African handaxes
Three North African paleolithic bifacial Handaxes of Homo heidelbergensis / early H. sapiens dating from between 400, 000 to 100, 000 years ago

Charles Lyell portrait engraving Stoddart
Frontispiece Volume II of the " Life Letters and Journals of Sir Charles Lyell, BART" John Murray publishers 1881. Engraving by Stoddart from a photograph

1863 Adam and Eve from zoology textbook
1863 hand coloured lithograph by Raimondo Petraroja from the second volume (primates and monkeys) of Giovanni Boschi (editor) Atlante Zoologico Popolare. Published series from 1863-1879. Italy

1863 Lyells Antiquity of Man desktop
Printers page title and frontispiece engraving from Charles Lyells 1863 " The Geological Evidences of the Antiquity of Man" together with a paleolithic flint handaxe from the Thames gravels

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"Unearthing the Secrets of Human Antiquity: A Journey through Time" Step back in time with us as we explore the captivating world of human antiquity. In this 150 caption, we delve into a treasure trove of historical hints that unravel the mysteries surrounding our ancient ancestors. Let's begin our journey in the 1860s, where a portrait photograph captures Charles Lyell, a renowned geologist whose groundbreaking work paved the way for understanding Earth's history. Alongside him stands an intriguing artifact from 1697 - Grays Inn's first British handaxe, serving as a tangible link to our distant past. Moving forward to Abbeville and Amiens in 1860, we encounter Perthes handaxes - relics crafted by early humans who roamed these lands thousands of years ago. Joseph Prestwich's research on Somme human antiquity sheds light on their existence and offers valuable insights into their lives. Our exploration takes us further back to 1838 when an engraving titled "L'Homme Fossile" depicts cave dwellers - our primitive predecessors who left behind evidence of their existence etched within rocky walls. Boitard's "Fossil Man, " published in 1861, provides another glimpse into prehistoric life through vivid illustrations. The late 1880s bring forth Joseph Prestwich once again; his tinted photograph showcases the beauty and intricacy of artifacts found along the Somme River. These discoveries serve as testament to humanity's remarkable ingenuity throughout time. As we navigate this captivating narrative, it is impossible not to mention Joseph Prestwich himself – captured elegantly in an 1855 portrait photograph – whose tireless dedication has shaped our understanding of human antiquity. Returning closer to home, four British Paleolithic handaxes emerge from obscurity; each one tells its own story about early tool-making techniques and survival strategies employed by those who wielded them. Finally, our journey concludes with a glimpse into North Africa's past.