Other scientists have argued that human beings originated in Africa before moving to other regions 150,000 to 200,000 years ago. Homo sapiens discovered in Middle Awash, Ethiopia, from 160,000 years ago were believed to be the oldest 'modern' human beings.Other remains previously found in Israeli caves are thought to have been more recent and 80,000 to 100,000 years old.omo sapiens discovered in Middle Awash, Ethiopia, from 160,000 years ago were believed to be the oldest 'modern' human beings. Other remains previously found in Israeli caves are thought to have been more recent and 80,000 to 100,000 years old.