Piltdown Man - the greatest hoax in the history of science?

In 1912 Piltdown Man hit the headlines. Evidence of the evolutionary 'missing link' between apes and humans had been found, in England. For the next 40 years this momentous discovery influenced research into human evolution.

Then in 1953 Piltdown hit the headlines again, this time revealed as a hoax, a scientific fraud of shocking proportions. Who did it and why? Follow the story so far.

Discoveries at Piltdown

At the time of Piltdown Man’s discovery, very few early human fossils had been found and none on English soil. Find out how the sensational story started.
Piltdown hoax revealed

As mounting evidence began to make Piltdown Man look suspect, 3 leading scientists tested the fossils. Their surprising results had major implications.
Piltdown suspects

100 years after the initial discoveries and 60 years since they were revealed as fakes, we still don't know who did it and why. Meet the key suspects.
Piltdown fossils

Examine the fossil evidence that initially propelled Piltdown to fame, and then later to infamy.
Piltdown timeline

Uncover the key events in the story of Piltdown Man, from the original discoveries through to the revelation of the hoax.