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200,000 to 29,000 years ago Homo neanderthalensis The first fossils identified as Neandertal were discovered in the Neander Tal (valley) in Germany. This is probably the world's most famous non-modern human. Neandertal fossils showed an increase in cranial capacity (indicating brain size). The middle of the face was large and projected forward; the teeth and jaws were large. The nose and browridges were big and protruding. The Neandertal body was short and stocky, but powerful, especially the hands and arms. Neandertal characteristics were adaptations to the cold, dry climate during the Ice Ages in what is now Europe. "Old Man of La Chapelle-aux-Saints" Reconstruction Artist: William Munns The most complete Neandertal specimen is the skeleton of a sick, nearly toothless, middle-aged man. The incorrect use of the fossil to describe Neandertals led to our view of them as stupid, shuffling brutes. The fossil was later reanalyzed with more advanced knowledge of anatomy. Results showed that the Neandertal had a robust body, well adapted to a cold climate. The advanced age of this nearly toothless man suggests that the community cared for him.
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2001 San Diego Museum of Man
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