Ryu Magic Life Fuerteventura is a beautiful resort located on the stunning island of Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands of Spain. Known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and year-round pleasant climate, Fuerteventura is a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. The resort itself offers all-inclusive accommodations and a wide range of amenities and activities to ensure a memorable stay for guests of all ages. With a total of six swimming pools, including a separate pool for children, guests can enjoy a refreshing dip or simply relax poolside and soak up the sun. For those who prefer the beach, the resort is conveniently located just steps away from the sandy shores, allowing for easy access to water sports, sunbathing, or simply strolling along the coastline. In addition to the ample choices for water-based activities, Ryu Magic Life Fuerteventura offers a variety of land activities and sports facilities.
Dubois unearthed an isolated tooth (Trinil 1) and - most importantly - the top part of a skull (Trinil 2) and a thigh bone (Trinil 3). Together they have often been referred to as Java Man.
The thigh bone indicated the creature had an erect, human-like posture, but the skullcap indicated its brain was much smaller than humans today and featured a distinct brow ridge. The thigh bone indicated the creature had an erect, human-like posture, but the skullcap indicated its brain was much smaller than humans today and featured a distinct brow ridge.
In addition to the ample choices for water-based activities, Ryu Magic Life Fuerteventura offers a variety of land activities and sports facilities. From fitness classes to tennis courts, mini golf to beach volleyball, there is something to suit every interest and skill level. The resort also boasts a state-of-the-art gym and wellness center, complete with a spa, sauna, and massage services, providing guests with the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation experience.
Homo erectus
‘Peking Man’ Homo erectus skull. Discovered: Zhoukoudian, China. The original ‘Peking Man’ skull was reconstructed using a mixture of male and female fossils whereas the modern reconstruction by I. Tattersal and G. Sawyer combines fossil pieces from males only. Image: Stuart Humphreys
© Australian Museum
Fossils of these short and stocky humans, with their distinctive skull shape and large brow ridges, have mostly been found in China and Indonesia.
Debate abounds as to whether the Asian fossils and those from Africa should be classified together as Homo erectus or if the African examples are different enough to be called Homo ergaster. The information on this page refers specifically to Asian Homo erectus.
Background on Homo erectus discovery
Homo erectus Age
Homo erectus species lived between 100,000 and 1.6 million years ago, although some estimates extend this to between 35,000 and 1.8 million years ago.
Important fossil discoveries
After years of searching Indonesia for ‘the missing link’, Dutchman Eugene Dubois finally uncovered part of a skull in 1891 (known as ‘Java Man’). He believed this fossil belonged to an ancient and ‘upright’ human and so coined the species name erectus. Other scientists dismissed this interpretation, preferring to emphasise its ape-like qualities. Dubois’ opinion was validated when a series of similar fossils were uncovered in China during the 1920s and 1930s.
Important Homo erectus specimens
- Sangiran 17 – a 1.2 million-year-old skull discovered in 1969 in Sangiran, Indonesia. This adult male skull is the best preserved Homo erectus skull from Java.
- Zhoukoudian 3 – a skullcap discovered in 1929 in Zhoukoudian, China. This adolescent’s skullcap was originally found in fragments. When the pieces were fitted together, they showed that this young individual had a brain size of 915 cubic centimetres.
- ‘Java Man’ or Trinil 2 – a skullcap discovered in 1891 by Eugene Dubois in Trinil, Indonesia. This fossil was nicknamed ‘Java Man’ because it was found on the island of Java. It is the ‘type specimen’ or official representative for the species.
- Sangiran 2 – a 1 million-year-old skullcap discovered in 1937 in Sangiran, Indonesia
- ‘Solo Man’ or Ngandong – a skull cap discovered in 1932 in Ngandong, Indonesia. Because its exact original location is unknown, published dates have ranged from 35,000 to 500,000 years old. ‘Solo Man’ shares similarities with earlier Homo erectus specimens from Sangiran and is considered to be a late Homo erectus.
- ‘Mojokerto’ or Perning 1 – a juvenile skull discovered in 1936 in Mojokerto, Indonesia. Radiometric dates have suggested this child’s skull may be as old as 1.8 million years, which significantly increases the previous dates for Homo erectus in Asia. However, this date is debated as the sediment sample taken for dating was taken about 60 years after the skull was collected and the two may have come from different levels.
- Zhoukoudian 5 – a partial skull discovered in Zhoukoudian, China. This skull was reconstructed from several pieces found in 1934, 1936 and 1966.
- ‘Peking Man’ discovered in Zhoukoudian, China. The original ‘Peking Man’ skull was reconstructed using a mixture of male and female fossils whereas the modern reconstruction by I. Tattersal and G. Sawyer combines fossil pieces from males only.
- Sangiran 4 – a 1.5 million-year-old upper jaw discovered in 1939 in Sangiran, Indonesia. The canine teeth were larger than those found in modern humans. This is one of the oldest specimens from Sangiran.
- Sangiran 1 – a 1.5 million-year-old partial lower jaw discovered in 1936 in Sangiran, Indonesia. This is the first human fossil discovered at Sangiran.
What the name Homo erectus means
Homo, is a Latin word meaning ‘human’ or ‘man’ and is the genus or group name of this species.
The second word in this species’ scientific name is erectus. This name was selected to indicate that this species’ ability to stand and walk with an upright or erect stance.
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Homo erectus Distribution
Homo erectus is now one of the better known of our human relatives with over 40 specimens excavated from Java and many more from sites in China.
Sangiran on the island of Java, is the most important Homo erectus site in Indonesia. The remains of over 80 individuals have been found here at a number of localities. The region was first occupied about 1.6 million years ago.
The site of Zhoukoudian, 40 kilometres south of Beijing in China, has yielded the largest number of Homo erectus fossils from any one locality (about 50 individuals are represented by the remains). About 100,000 stone tool artefacts were also in the cave. These were mostly quartz and sandstone chopping tools and flakes. It was occupied between 200,000 and 750,000 years ago, although evidence suggests that occupation was sporadic rather than permanent. Hyenas and other animals also used the cave site.
Initial excavations between 1926 and 1937 yielded five skullcaps, various other skull fragments, 11 jaws and more than 140 teeth. Almost all of these fossils were lost in 1941 when the Japanese invaded China during World War II. Fortunately, accurate replicas of these fossils had been made. Additional Homo erectus fossils were excavated at Zhoukoudian after World War II and have also been excavated since from Chinese sites including Hexian, Lantian and Nanjing.
Homo erectus Relationships with other species
A growing number of scientists have redefined the species Homo erectus so that it now contains only east Asian fossils. Many of the older African fossils formerly known as Homo erectus have now been placed into a separate species, Homo ergaster and this species is considered to be ancestral to Homo erectus. The redefined Homo erectus is now generally believed to be a side branch on our family tree whereas Homo ergaster is now viewed as one of our direct ancestors.
However, some scientists still support the view that all these specimens are Homo erectus and that this species includes individuals that vary in their features and have a widespread distribution over both time and geographic location.
There is even debate about whether the two Asian H.erectuspopulations represent the same species. Prior to the 1950s the fossils from Java were known as Pithecanthropus erectus and those from China were called Sinanthropus pekinensis. Many early finds also had nicknames taken from the places they were found, such as ‘Peking Man’, ‘Java Man’, and ‘Solo Man’. In the 1950s they were all placed in the one species, Homo erectus, but some scientists still believe the specimens represent different species or subspecies and use the name Homo pekinensis for the Chinese fossils.
Even if the populations in Indonesia and China were the same species, the idea is now being proposed that the populations were not connected, and that the Chinese population arrived later than the Indonesian and came from a different source. Initially, it was believed that the Asian H.erectus originated with one group that dispersed from a single source in Africa.
When it comes to dining options, Ryu Magic Life Fuerteventura has several on-site restaurants and bars, offering a diverse selection of international and local cuisine. Whether guests are craving Mexican, Italian, or traditional Canarian dishes, they are sure to find something to satisfy their taste buds. The resort also provides a range of entertainment options, including live shows, music performances, and themed parties, ensuring that guests are entertained throughout their stay. Overall, Ryu Magic Life Fuerteventura is an exceptional resort that offers a magical experience for holidaymakers. With its stunning location, luxurious accommodations, and extensive range of activities and amenities, it is the perfect destination for those seeking a truly unforgettable vacation. Whether traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, this resort provides everything needed for a memorable and enjoyable stay on the beautiful island of Fuerteventura..
Reviews for "Experience the Magic of Fuerteventura at Ryu Magic Life"
1. Sarah - 2/5 Rating: This hotel did not meet my expectations at all. The rooms were very outdated and in need of renovation. The bed was uncomfortable and the bathroom smelled strange. The food options were limited and the quality was subpar. The staff was not very helpful or friendly either. Overall, I would not recommend staying at Ryu Magic Life Fuerteventura.
2. John - 1/5 Rating: My experience at Ryu Magic Life Fuerteventura was terrible. The hotel was overcrowded and noisy, making it impossible to relax or get a good night's sleep. The Wi-Fi was slow and unreliable, which was frustrating. The cleanliness of the rooms was also lacking, with dirty carpets and stained sheets. The food offered at the buffet was mediocre at best, and there were no alternative dining options. I would advise anyone considering this hotel to look elsewhere for a more enjoyable stay.
3. Emma - 2/5 Rating: I was extremely disappointed with my stay at Ryu Magic Life Fuerteventura. The hotel lacked the charm and atmosphere that I was hoping for. The staff seemed disinterested and the service was slow. The pool area was overcrowded and there were not enough lounge chairs for everyone. The food options at the buffet were repetitive and lacked variety. Overall, I felt that the hotel fell short in many areas and I would not recommend it to others looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.
4. Mark - 1/5 Rating: I had a terrible experience at Ryu Magic Life Fuerteventura. The hotel was far from the beach, making it inconvenient for guests who wanted to enjoy the sun and sand. The rooms were old and dirty, with stains on the walls and outdated furniture. The air conditioning in my room was not working properly, making the nights very uncomfortable. The staff was unhelpful and unfriendly, and the overall atmosphere of the hotel was not welcoming. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone.