Cro-Magnon: The Story of the Last Ice Age People of Europe

During the Last Ice Age, Europe was home to the Cro-Magnons, who were physically indistinguishable from humans today. Paleoanthropologist Trenton Holliday explores their story, including their emergence, interactions with Neandertals, appearance, diet, and response to climate change. He offers new insights from various perspectives and considers how their experiences can teach us about dealing with our rapidly warming planet.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

During the Last Ice Age, Europe was a cold, dry place teeming with a diverse array of mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses, reindeer, bison, cave bears, cave hyenas, and cave lions. It was also the home of a group of humans physically indistinguishable from modern humans, commonly known as the Cro-Magnons. Our knowledge of these remarkable individuals comes from either their skeletons or the tools, art, and debris they left behind.

This book delves into the story of these dynamic and resilient people, shedding light on recent scientific advancements. Paleoanthropologist Trenton Holliday, who has dedicated decades to studying the Cro-Magnons, explores a range of intriguing questions. He seeks to answer where and when anatomically modern humans first emerged, when they reached Europe, and the routes they took. Holliday also examines the extent and frequency of their interactions with the Neandertals, exploring what these interactions revealed about the Cro-Magnons' physical appearance, diet, and survival strategies.

By studying their skeletons, researchers can gain valuable insights into the lives of the Cro-Magnons. Holliday discusses how these ancient individuals dealt with the glacial cold, showcasing their resilience and ingenuity. Additionally, their art provides a unique window into their culture, revealing their artistic abilities, beliefs, and social structures.

In this book, Holliday offers fresh perspectives on the Cro-Magnons, drawing from anthropological, archaeological, genetic, and geological disciplines. He also considers how the Cro-Magnons responded to Earth's postglacial warming almost 12,000 years ago, providing valuable lessons for us as we navigate the challenges of climate change in our modern world. Through his comprehensive exploration, Holliday sheds light on the fascinating history and legacy of the Cro-Magnons, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of our human ancestors and their remarkable adaptations to changing environments.

Weight: 588g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231204965