Pronunciation: [kɹˈɒmaɡnən] (IPA) 
The word "cromagnon" is commonly misspelled. The correct spelling is actually "Cro-Magnon," with a capital C and hyphen. It is named after the Cro-Magnon rock shelter in France, where the first fossilized remains of Homo sapiens were discovered in 1868. The pronunciation of "Cro-Magnon" is /kroʊ ˈmæɡnən/, with stress on the first syllable. So, next time you use this word, remember to capitalize the C and include the hyphen!
Cro-Magnon is a term used to refer to a prehistoric population of Homo sapiens who lived during the Upper Paleolithic period, approximately 40,000 to 10,000 years ago. The name is derived from the location where their remains were first discovered: a rock shelter in the Dordogne region of southwestern France called Cro-Magnon.
These early humans, considered anatomically modern, exhibited several characteristic features. They possessed a high forehead, fully developed chin, slim face, and a cranial capacity similar to modern humans. The Cro-Magnon people were notable for their well-built, robust physiques and relatively tall stature. They were skilled hunter-gatherers, utilizing advanced tools and weaponry such as spears, harpoons, and bows and arrows.
Cro-Magnon individuals were also known for their artistic expression. They created intricate cave paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art, reflecting their advanced cognitive abilities and cultural sophistication. These artistic endeavors provide invaluable insights into their social and religious practices.
The Cro-Magnon population significantly contributed to the genetic makeup of modern humans through interbreeding and sharing an ancestral lineage. Their existence marks a crucial stage in human evolution, representing the early stages of social structures, technological advancements, and artistic expression. The name “Cro-Magnon” has since become synonymous with this prehistoric group of Homo sapiens and is often used to describe early modern humans in Eurasia during the Upper Paleolithic era.
The word "Cro-Magnon" is derived from the name of a rock shelter located in the Dordogne region in southwestern France. In 1868, the site was discovered by Louis Lartet and his son Henry, who were pioneering archaeologists. They named it "Cro-Magnon" after the nearby village of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, where it is situated. Cro-Magnon became famous due to its significance in the study of prehistoric human remains.
Later, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the term "Cro-Magnon" evolved to be used to describe the early modern humans (Homo sapiens) who inhabited Europe around 40,000 to 10,000 years ago. These early humans, named after the site where their remains were first discovered, are often considered the forerunners of contemporary humans.
