Sapiens is a journey in the exploration of knowledge. An epic adventure to discover the origins of man, a journey in search of knowledge.
In Sapiens world, you will not be a simple spectator, but an explorer of the past, a witness to the greatest anthropological discoveries of the last three centuries, which have shaped our present. From dark caves of our primitive ancestors, where the echo of the first steps still resonates, to the great migrations of Homo sapiens.
Sapiens doesn't just show, it explains. Through information panels and stations, you can deepen your knowledge of human evolution, discovering the most accredited scientific theories, the most significant finds and the most recent discoveries.
Along the way, you will delve into the history of knowledge, that of key figures who have dedicated their lives to the search for our origins and revolutionary theories. In an evocative setting, faithful reproductions of fossil finds and representations of hominids in flesh and blood will involve you in an unprecedented immersive experience.
The journey of Sapiens starts from Gallery of Origins. Here we retrace fundamental stages of the study of human evolution, starting from Charles Darwin 's theory on the origin of species, published in 1859, to arrive at the latest discoveries of December 2024. Emphasis is given to the studies of Raymond Dart, Robert Broom, Mary Leakey and other paleontologists and world history scientists.
A journey through the main discoveries that have helped fill the gaps in human evolution. Those of hominid fossils such as Australopithecus africanus (Taung child) and Paranthropus boisei (the nutcracker). Those of archaeological sites such as Olduvai Gorge, Transvaal Caves, Dmanisi, Flores and Atapuerca valleys. Those of cave paintings at Lascaux and Altamira, evidence of Paleolithic art, and Laetoli footprints, which attest to ancient bipedalism. Oltremare also tells discoveries of Italian sites, such as Fumane cave, Villabruna and Altamura, where significant finds were found.
The exploration of knowledge never stops. Sapiens highlights how new technologies (DNA analysis) now allow us to date finds more precisely and identify new species. Continuous research and new discoveries will further enrich our knowledge of human evolution.
But did you know that human evolution is similar to a bush?
It can be represented as a branched bush, with different species that have coexisted over time.
Africa is considered the cradle of humanity, where oldest fossils of Homo sapiens have been found and where our species originated.
But Homo sapiens encountered other species of genus Homo, such as Neanderthals , leaving genetic traces in current populations.
Today, human evolution is driven primarily by cultural and technological changes, which allow us to adapt and modify our surroundings.
The increase in brain size and development of language have been key factors in cultural and social evolution of humans. The bipedal posture has freed the hands that have been able to develop new skills in synergy with the brain; making and building new things has gradually allowed a technological evolution as well. And the environment has played a fundamental role in evolution, influencing the development of physical and behavioral characteristics.
Evolution continues to shape our species. Future challenges, such as climate change and new technologies, will present new opportunities and new risks for humanity.
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