By looking at the structure of the skeleton, experts were able to obtain strong evidence for what Neanderthals would have looked like and their behaviour. The skeleton was no more than 1.62 m (5 foot 4 inches) tall with a powerful build. Features of the skeleton were:
- A striking ribcage that continued to flare out giving the Neanderthal no waist. One explanation for this wide and deep ribcage was that it would have retained heat better in a cold environment, which would have been a clear advantage as Neanderthals lived during the Ice Age.
- The right arm had much clearer muscle markings than the left and the forearm had a curving radius, all suggesting a very powerful right arm with a powerful grip. This suggested Neanderthals were ambush hunters thrusting spears into their prey. This fitted in with the fact that heavy spear points have been found alongside Neanderthal bones at many sites suggesting that spears were used to ambush and stab prey rather than to throw.
- From impressions inside the skull it was determined that the brain was slightly larger in size than the modern average but as far as could be judged, its external form suggested similar cognitive abilities to our own.
- The hyoid bone in the throat was similar to our own but reconstruction of the vocal tract suggested that Neanderthal speech would have been higher pitched but more resonant.
Shorter and stockier than modern humans. Weak chin, prominent brow ridge, pale skin, and probably red hair.
