Reconstruction of Homo heidelbergensis

This early human species had a very large browridge, and a larger braincase and flatter face than older early human species. It was the first early human species to live in colder climates; their ­­­short, wide bodies were likely an adaptation to conserving heat. It lived at the time of the oldest definite control of fire and use of wooden spears, and it was the first early human species to routinely hunt large animals. This early human also broke new ground; it was the first species to build shelters, creating simple dwellings out of wood and rock.

Where Lived: Europe; possibly Asia (China); Africa (eastern and southern)
When Lived: About 700,000 to 200,000 years ago
Year of Discovery: 1908
History of Discovery:
In 1908 near Heidelberg, Germany, a workman found the type specimen of H. heidelbergensis in the Rösch sandpit just north of the village of Mauer. This mandible was nearly complete except for the missing premolars and first two left molars; it is heavily built and lacks a chin. German scientist Otto Schoentensack was the first to describe the specimen and proposed the species name Homo heidelbergensis.

Before the naming of this species, scientists referred to early human fossils showing traits similar to both Homo erectus and modern humans as ‘archaic’ Homo sapiens.

Height:
Males: average 5 ft 9 in (175 cm); Females: average 5 ft 2 in (157 cm)
Weight:
Males: average 136 lbs (62 kg); Females: average 112 lbs (51 kg)
Height & Weight Supplemental Information:
As early humans like H. heidelbergensis migrated to colder climates, their bodies became more compact, which reduces overall skin surface area and heat loss. This would have been more efficient in conserving heat than a tall, lean body like Homo erectus, which exposed more surface area proportional to body mass – useful in a hot, dry, African environment.