there have been relatively well-defined remains of "homo erectus" found in africa from very early in human history. there have also been well-defined remains of "homo neanderthalensis" found in europe from later in history. some scholars use the terms "archaic humans," "early "homo sapiens,"" or "homo heidelbergensis" to describe remains that seem to come from between these two periods in history. some authors use it for all early species of "homo", including neanderthals.