Cro-Magnon vs. Neanderthal: What Is the Difference?

Though similar to Neanderthals, Cro-Magnons have some interesting differences. What does the fossil record reveal about their intelligence and how they survived?

By Sara Novak
Dec 28, 2023 2:00 PM
Cro Magnon Skull
(Credit:Victor1153/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

In 1868, in a small limestone cave outside the French village of Les Eyzies, a geologist named Édouard Lartet found the first set of specimens showing that modern humans had prehistoric roots. He happened upon the discovery due to road construction and later uncovered four adult skeletons and one infant dating back to the upper Pleistocene, about 30,000 years ago.

The site showed that these ancient humans were not only occupying Europe at the time but that they were somewhat sophisticated, having been intentionally buried amongst animal teeth and shells that had been crafted into necklaces and pendants. The scientists called the site Cro-Magnon 1, a name which stuck with these early Homo sapiens until recent years.

Being a Cro-Magnon Was Tough

Cro-Magnons were early H. sapiens, and their survival was no easy matter. We can tell from the site that the male skeleton was likely about 50 years old at the time of his death. Researchers can see damage to his bone structure, showing he likely had a debilitating fungal infection. 

Some of the other skeletons had fused spines, indicating that they had endured “traumatic injury,” and the adult female seemed to have survived a period of time with a skull fracture. The injuries also show that Cro-magnons probably cared for one another, nurturing each other’s injuries so that they could mutually survive.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.