The discovery of Homo naledi in 2013 significantly changed the understanding of human prehistory and early civilization. Found in the Rising Star Cave system in South Africa, this species exhibited a unique combination of both primitive and modern anatomical features. Dated to around 335,000 to 236,000 years ago, Homo naledi challenged existing narratives of human evolution, suggesting that the cognitive capabilities and behaviors traditionally associated with modern humans may not be exclusive to them. This discovery reshaped perspectives regarding the complexity of early hominin behavior, including the possibility of symbolic thought and burial practices.