Anatomy, Philosophy, and Neanderthal History

Foramen Magnum

The foramen magnum is the large opening situated in the lower back of the skull, which establishes the continuity of the central nervous system with the spinal cord.

Perspectivism

Perspectivism is a philosophical doctrine holding that all perception is subjective ideation. The individual perceives from a particular point of view, within their own frame of reference. The main proponent of this philosophical view is José Ortega y Gasset.

Mnemonic Techniques

A mnemonic is a process of mental association involving ideas, schemes, systematic exercises, and repetitions to facilitate the recall of information.

Neanderthals: Homo neanderthalensis

Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis) are an extinct species of the Homo genus that inhabited Europe and parts of western Asia from approximately 230,000 to 28,000 years ago during the Middle and Upper Pleistocene. They were culturally integrated into the Middle Paleolithic. For a period of approximately 5,000 years, they are believed to have lived in the same territories in parallel with the European Cro-Magnon, the early modern humans in Europe. Evidence of this coexistence has been found in the caves of Châtelperron.

Physical Characteristics

Defining characteristics, based on fossil bones discovered so far (about 400 individuals), include:

• Robust skeleton
• Wide pelvis
• Short legs
• Barrel chest
• Highlighted supraorbital arches
• Low, sloping forehead
• Prominent face
• No chin
• Large cranial capacity (up to 1,500 cm³)

They lived in organized groups, typically composed of around thirty members.

Adaptation to Cold

Neanderthals were a species well-adapted to extreme cold. They possessed an elongated skull, short stature, a strongly built frame, and a broad nose with prominent nostrils—traits that show adaptation to cold climates, similar to those seen in modern Arctic populations. Their brains were equal to or larger than those of modern humans. A Neanderthal had an average height of 1.65 m, with a heavy build and strong musculature. While their bone structure was not suited for long-distance running, they were capable of walking long distances. Anatomical studies have determined that Neanderthals could articulate a limited range of sounds compared to modern humans, due to the location of the larynx, which was higher than that of modern man.

Tools and Culture

The style of stone tools used by the Middle Paleolithic Neanderthal is known as the Mousterian culture, named after the archaeological site of Le Moustier. The Mousterian culture is characterized by the use of the Levallois flaking technique. These tools were produced using soft hammer percussion, such as bone or wood. In the final days of the Neanderthals, the archaeological record shows the Châtelperronian style, which is regarded as more "advanced" than the Mousterian.