Maybe—but the evidence is still thin.

The recent discovery of Homo affinis erectus in Spain, has sparked excitement. Unlike speculative claims about Anadoluvius turkae, this fossil is a hominin, meaning it belongs to the human evolutionary branch. However, whether it’s a direct ancestor of Homo sapiens or an extinct cousin remains uncertain.

So far, only a small portion of a face—cheekbone and jaw fragments—have been found, dating between 1.1 and 1.4 million years ago. Researchers believe it is closely related to Homo erectus, but its exact place in the evolutionary tree is still up for debate.

Some have suggested Homo affinis erectus could help clarify early human migration into Europe. But let’s not jump ahead—the evidence is far from conclusive. While this species may have played a role in the broader human story, whether it directly led to us remains to be seen.

The likelier scenario? Homo affinis erectus was one of several early human species that coexisted in Eurasia, part of an evolutionary experiment with multiple offshoots. With only facial bones to go on, we have no limb fossils to tell us how they moved, their body proportions, or other key details about their lifestyle.

For now, Homo affinis erectus is a fascinating addition to the human family tree—but we don’t yet know if it’s on our direct branch.