Introduction
Cro-Magnon is an archaic Homo sapiens species that lived from approximately 40,000 to 10,000 years ago. They are the first anatomically modern humans to be discovered and are believed to have been responsible for the origin of many modern human behaviors, including artistic expression and sophisticated tool making. The Cro-Magnon people are named after the rock shelter of La Grotte des Enfants in Les Eyzies, France, where their remains were first discovered in 1868 (Leroi-Gourhan, 1973).
Body
The fossil record of the Cro-Magnon people is vast. It includes more than 500 individuals from a variety of sites across Europe, including Germany, Italy, and Russia (Leroi-Gourhan, 1973). The majority of the Cro-Magnon fossils come from sites in southern France and northern Spain. The most complete skeleton is the Cro-Magnon 1, discovered in 1868 at La Grotte des Enfants in France (Leroi-Gourhan, 1973).
Cro-Magnon people were physically similar to modern humans in many ways. They had a high forehead, a chin, and a tall, slender physique (Leroi-Gourhan, 1973). They were also taller than most Paleolithic humans, with an average height of approximately 1.8 meters (Leroi-Gourhan, 1973).
In addition to their physical traits, the Cro-Magnon people were also technologically advanced. They made sophisticated tools such as spears, harpoons, and fishhooks (Leroi-Gourhan, 1973). They also crafted clothing and jewelry from animal hides, feathers, and shells (Leroi-Gourhan, 1973).
The Cro-Magnon people were also creative and expressive. They created elaborate cave paintings and engravings of animals, as well as clay and stone sculptures (Leroi-Gourhan, 1973). They also used music and storytelling to express their beliefs and values.
Conclusion
The Cro-Magnon people were the first anatomically modern humans to be discovered. They had a tall, slender physique and were technologically advanced, creating sophisticated tools and artwork. They also expressed their beliefs and values through music and storytelling. The Cro-Magnon people are an important part of human history, and their legacy lives on today.
References
Leroi-Gourhan, A. (1973). Treasures of prehistory: The paleolithic paintings of Cro-Magnon Man. New York, NY: Harry N. Abrams.