Learn about the time period that took place 23 to 2.6 million years ago. 3 min read From afar, Earth looked much as it does today when the Neogene period began. But looks are deceiving.

The remains were found in a soil layer dating from the Miocene epoch of the Neogene period of the Cenozoic era. A full-scale excavation began after the lower jaw fossil was discovered on Sept.