The Neanderthals Probably derived from Heidelbergensis in Northern Europe 300, ,000 ybp Territory: from Siberia to Iberia to the Levant

Neanderthal Physics Cold adapted: short, stocky, thick boned 5’6’’; 176, females somewhat smaller, 20% heavier per pound relative to humans

Neanderthal Physics Faces: larger nose; higher browridge; longer, lower cranium; larger teeth and jaws

Neanderthal brains Slightly larger than human (1425cc vs. 1350) Enlarged erectus brain Relative parietal expansion in humans

Neanderthal hunting Varied diets, but large big game meat consumers Cooperative hunting (100,000-50,000 ybp) Mauran, Le Borde, Combe Grenal, and La Cotte (below) No projectile weapons; thrusting spears, close-in ambush hunting; little evidence of long-range hunting expeditions or intercept strategies Rodeo rider injuries, tough life

Neanderthal tools Mousterian; Levollois points/flakes; more specialized than Heidelbergensis tool kit Mostly stone; rarely bone or antler Little evidence of innovation; procedural strategies Hafting points onto spears Local, little evidence of “exotic” raw material or trade

Neanderthal symbolism? Frequent use of pigments. For what purpose? Processing of hides, hunting camo; adhesives; selectivity for color suggest more than just practical Beads; Chatelperronian controversy (borrowed from Cro- Magnons?) Recent finds in Spain earlier than Hss At Cueva de los Aviones (3 peforated shells), Cueva Antón (1 shell); 50,000 ybp Tata engravings 70,000 ybp

Neanderthal social life Homogenous population est. 70,000 in Europe at 40,000 ybp Smaller less organized campsite Smaller hearths, possible no communal use of fire Smaller social groups; no trade; local face-to-face interactions Possibly little gender specialization; longer gestation period >12months? Burials inconclusive regarding ritual; afterlife beliefs, etc.

Neanderthal language Some language but how much?