Contents 
Preface: Mission Impossible xii 
Introduction: Signals from the Past XV 
PART ONE 
Making us Human 
2.000.000—Q000 BC 
1. Mummy of Hornedjitef 
2. Olduvai Stone Chopping Tool 
3. Olduvai Handaxe 
4. Swimming Reindeer 
5. Clovis Spear Point 
PART TWO 
fter the Ice Age: Food and Sex 
0000-3500 BC 
6. Bird-shaped Pestle 
7. Ain Sakhri Lovers Figurine 
8. Egyptian Clay Model of Cattle 
9. Maya Maize God Statue 
ro. Jomon Pot 
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L3 
pi 
) J) 
£9 
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39 
14 
19 
PART THREE 
The First Cities and States 
4000-3000 BC 
11. King Den’s Sandal Label 
12. Standard of Ur 
13. Indus Seal 
14. Jade Axe 
15. Early Writing Tablet 
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61 
66 
7X 
26