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Why did Carolus Linnaeus include humans among the primates?

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In his work published between 1735 and 1759, the Swedish naturalist Carolus Linnaeus classified all animal forms known at the time, establishing the foundational system of taxonomy that uses genus and species for identification.1

Linnaeus included humans among the primates as part of his broader effort to categorize all living things. The name he chose for the order, Primates, is derived from the Latin primas, meaning "first" or "foremost," reflecting his hierarchical view of nature. By placing humans within this order and assigning the scientific name Homo sapiens, Linnaeus integrated humanity into the biological classification of animals.12

It is important to note that while Linnaeus was a pioneer in biological nomenclature, his classifications were influenced by the Enlightenment-era preoccupation with categorization and the Great Chain of Being. His work included subjective descriptions of human temperaments and customs, which reflected a limited understanding of the distinction between physical features and culture, and some of his categories were based on myths rather than scientific observation.1