The development and diffusion of Homo erectus coincides with the Lower Pleistocene (1.6 - .7 Mybp) and is characterize by a generally stable climate with possibly two major glacial advances which may have facilitated migration out of Africa via a "land bridge" across the Bosphorus.
Anatomically, Homo erectus was somewhat taller (at least 1.8 m.) than its predecessors with a substantially larger (700-800 cc., about half that of living humans) brain capacity.
There is some evidence that fire was used by Homo erectus in Africa as early as 1.6 Mybp, but more conclusive evidence is available for use of fire in temperate climates at about 1 to .7 Mybp.
Homo erectus is associated with two types of stone tools. A distinctive array of stone tools (termed Achulean) including flakes, choppers and bifacially flaked, pointed "hand axes " is characteristic of Homo erectus in Africa, South Western Europe, the Near East and India. In China, South East Asia and the Indies a somewhat cruder stone tool type more like the Olduavian is found associated with Homo erectus. Neither Homo erectus remains nor these characteristic tools are found in North Eastern Europe, Northern Asia, and the New World. These technologies, together with the Olduvian are often termed lower paleolithic.
Homo erectus probably make its living by "hunting and gathering" usually following seasonable availability of animals and plants in bands about 30 members consisting of a few nuclear families. There is evidence of big game hunting which would have required a significant degree of cooperation and thus, possibly the use of language. There is some rather questionable evidence for the use of temporary shelter and the mere fact of occupation of cold climate suggests the use of clothing.
