This document provides an overview of anthropology and the study of human origins and cultural development. It defines anthropology as the study of humanity, covering physical, social, and cultural aspects. The main branches of anthropology are described as biological/physical anthropology, archaeology, socio-cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. Theories on human evolution and origin such as uniformitarianism and unilineal evolution are introduced. Key discoveries in human ancestors like Lucy, Homo habilis, and Homo erectus are outlined, as well as the development of modern Homo sapiens. Stages of cultural development from Paleolithic to Neolithic revolutions and early use of metals are summarized.