The first people of the modern type (neoanthropes)

Cro-Magnons are early representatives of the species Homo sapiens sapiens. They lived about 40-12 thousand years ago and looked like modern humans.

Compared to Neanderthals, Cro-Magnons had a less massive skeleton. Growth reached 180 cm. The brain volume of a Homo sapiens was 1400-1900 cm³. The cerebral section of the skull predominated over the facial one. The forehead was straight, had a high arch. The chin was protruding. The Cro-Magnons developed a straight gait. Their appearance did not differ from that of a modern person.

Cro-Magnons gathered in communities of up to 100 people. They lived in caves or built tents from skins. The speech was articulate.

Cro-Magnons were the first to begin making complex composite tools and weapons. More advanced tools made it possible to get more food and sew clothes.

The main occupations were hunting and gathering. They hunted large animals (mammoths, wolves, woolly rhinos, bears) in well-organized groups of 10–20 people. In addition to hunting, they were engaged in catching birds and fish. The first to tame animals and mastered agriculture.

Cro-Magnons became the creators of primitive art.