Final answer:
The earliest Homo sapiens outside of Africa were found in the Middle East, particularly in Israel, dating back to about 180,000 to 100,000 years ago. They arrived in Europe by 40,000 years ago, following climate change, resource scarcity, and innate curiosity. The 'Out of Africa' model is the most commonly accepted theory, suggesting modern humans emerged in Africa and spread around 100,000 years ago.
Step-by-step explanation:
The earliest Homo sapiens outside of Africa were found at various sites in the Middle East, particularly in Israel at Jebel Irhoud, with fossils dating back to about 180,000 to 100,000 years ago. These early humans then followed the coasts of Asia, reaching India and China by roughly 70,000 years ago. Evidence suggests that by 40,000 years ago, Homo sapiens had begun migrating into Europe, marking the period when they first arrived on the continent.
The migration of early humans is attributed to several factors, including climate change and following prey, as well as motivations such as overcrowding, resource scarcity, and the innate human traits of curiosity and adventure.
The "Out of Africa" model is the most commonly accepted explanation for human migration, which contends that modern humans emerged first in Africa approximately 200,000 years ago and then expanded out of the continent around 100,000 years ago, replacing other human species in different regions.
In Europe, Homo sapiens are believed to have replaced the Neanderthals, which is consistent with the timeline of their arrival and subsequent spread across the continent.