Homo antecessor lived in what is now the region of Burgos 800000 years ago. Their remains are among the oldest in Europe. They were stocky and their brains were around 1000 cm³.
Some of their features are similar to Homo erectus. However, others are more developed and would suggest they are the ancestors of Homo neanderthalensis. Currently, experts are unable to agree on where they belong in the process of hominisation.
The most important Lower Paleolithic site on the Iberian Peninsula and in the world is Atapuerca (Burgos). Numerous remains of hominids, including the only known remains of Homo antecessor, have been discovered there.
During the Middle Paleolithic, the peninsula was inhabited by Neanderthals. Evidence of this has been found on the sites in Gibraltar and El Sidrón (Asturias).
In the Upper Paleolithic, Homo sapiens produced the cave paintings in the Franco-Cantabrian region. The most famous ones are in the caves of El Castillo and Altamira (both in Cantabria), Tito Bustillo (Asturias) and Santimamiñe (the Basque Country).
During the Epipaleolithic, Levante cave painting developed along the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Examples include the paintings in Cogull (Lleida), Valltorta and Remigia cave (both in Castellón) and Araña caves (Valencia). This style continued to be used during the following period (the Neolithic), sometimes in the same caves.
Activity 29
Look back to the illustration showing the chronological process of hominisation. In which position would you place Homo antecessor?
Activity 30
Look at the map. Listen and choose true or false. Correct the false sentences.
Activity 31
Write sentences about Atapuerca:
