When did modern humans reach each of the 7 continents?

An Indigenous Australian man in traditional dress holding a wooden weapon with feathers. — Most scientists think that humans reached Australia at least 50,000 years ago. Here, an Indigenous man holds traditional weapons during a ceremonial dance at a festival in Cape York, Australia.

(Image credit: chameleonseye via Getty Images)

Modern humans now permanently live on every continent except Antarctica, but it wasn't always this way. After our species, Homo sapiens, emerged in Africa at least 300,000 years ago, some eventually ventured out, trekking and voyaging across the world.

So when did the first modern humans reach each of the seven continents?

Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.

Tom Metcalfe is a freelance journalist and regular Live Science contributor who is based in London in the United Kingdom. Tom writes mainly about science, space, archaeology, the Earth and the oceans. He has also written for the BBC, NBC News, National Geographic, Scientific American, Air & Space, and many others.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.