Made in Savannahstan. (cover story)

The article reports on the archaeological excavations at Dmanisi, in the Republic of Georgia. What began as the excavation of a medieval town has turned into a pivotal site for the understanding of human evolution. So far, palaeoarchaeologists working there have unearthed five ancestral human skulls and other remains: the individuals they represent are now the central characters in a story whose plot is poised to undergo a major twist. The story is known as Out of Africa. It tells of Africa as the centre of evolutionary innovation in human ancestors, and the springboard from which some of these hominins struck out into other continents. INSET: The shifting spotlight.