Neanderthal vs Homo Erectus?

[the debater]

Who exactly would win in a physical struggle, a Neanderthal man, or a Homo Erectus man? The physical struggle doesn't have to be strictly defined, we could be talking about a boxing match or a wrestling match or even a fight to the death. This is a question that has me a little curious.

[BIXX]

Who exactly would win in a physical struggle, a Neanderthal man, or a Homo Erectus man? The physical struggle doesn't have to be strictly defined, we could be talking about a boxing match or a wrestling match or even a fight to the death. This is a question that has me a little curious.

Are you high?

Whether you are or not, I now, must search my pot-satchel for the answer.

[Flying Purple People Eater]

This is like asking whether a modern bear could win in a fight with a dire wolf. The times in which each species was at prominence was different. Are we having a 'Homo showdown colliseum' here or something? :laugh:

In a physical struggle, Neanderthals would probably win. They would probably win against your average human as well (considering that the human in question was your average joe, not athletic or a muscle tank. This is also taking into account a purely one-on-one scuffle - the tendons in achilles heels in Neanderthals were longer than those of Humans, making them slower and less able to run or move nimbly).

The problem with these hypothetical scenarios is that species of homo were reknowned for their high intelligence and, subsequently, their (our) utilisation of tools. Considering some of the earliest human ancestors hunted and crafted using particular tools, I find it highly unlikely that a Neanderthal and Homo Erectus would go into a battle (whatever over - maybe because they both accidentally wandered into the tardis while the latest doctor was being lame and had an argument over who could press the shiny red button) bare-handed.

With this in mind, the variance of victory becomes much more varied. It now doesn't matter that the Homo Erectus is not as stocky as the Neanderthal - If he gets the guy with a stone, axe or spear, the Neanderthal is as good as dead.

[bcbm]

should i close this or move it to chit chat

[BIXX]

should i close this or move it to chit chat

Chit Chat, IMO.

I still haven't found your answer, OP, I'm looking up stats.

[the debater]

Oh yeah, important detail I should clarify, the fight scenario I'm thinking about is one where the neanderthal and the homo erectus are bare-handed. So no weapons or tools being used.

[bcbm]

moved to chit chat

[Trap Queen Voxxy]

I want to see a fight to death with progressive levels of weaponry being employed throughout the successive rounds of the fight. All boxing, bare knuckle.

There can be only ONE.

[BIXX]

Oh yeah, important detail I should clarify, the fight scenario I'm thinking about is one where the neanderthal and the homo erectus are bare-handed. So no weapons or tools being used.

Are they alone?

If so, I think the Neanderthal would win.

[Ceallach_the_Witch]

h.erectus is an ancestor of h.neanderthalensis afaik. As far as I know neanderthals were similar in height to h.erectus (both standing shorter than h.sapiens) but they had extraordinarily thick and heavy bones and based on study of the skeletons we had, they were enormously strong and had very powerful arms and hands. They were also much brighter than we give them credit - so under the circumstances I think I would personally conclude that a Neanderthal would decisively beat the piss out of the earlier H. Erectus.

Compared to an anatomically modern human, a Neanderthal would stand shorter (about 5'5ish) but they would be very broad and stocky. They were less nimble on their feet, perhaps - but they were built for endurance, so to speak. As I mentioned, they had compact, durable skeletons and huge upper body strength - so I suspect that a neanderthal would probably have an edge over a modern human.

E:

and again, the supposed advantage of intelligence and tool use isn't really thought to be correct these days, we know that Neanderthals made quite sophisticated tools and also lived in complex social groups. The idea of the neanderthal as a stupid, bloodthirsty brute is thankfully consigned to the dustbin of history, i believe.

[Flying Purple People Eater]

and again, the supposed advantage of intelligence and tool use isn't really thought to be correct these days, we know that Neanderthals made quite sophisticated tools and also lived in complex social groups. The idea of the neanderthal as a stupid, bloodthirsty brute is thankfully consigned to the dustbin of history, i believe.

Actually, technological revolutions in Neanderthal toolmaking only occurred during the dusk of their existence as a species, and also during a period of what would have been large contact with Humans. Unlike us, Neanderthal toolsets were quite static. And 'being nimble on your toes' is one of the defining characteristics of humankind - Modern Humans are the world's top long-distance running animals, and can outrun any living animal in a marathon race.

But you're right. Many anthropologists believe the Neanderthals (and Denisovans, most probably) were just as smart as us Modern Humans.



h.erectus is an ancestor of h.neanderthalensis afaik.

This is not entirely accurate. H. Neanderthalis' direct ancestor, along with H. Sapiens' and the Denisova Hominins', is H. Heidelbergensis, which is believed to have evolved from Africa-dwelling populations of H. Erectus.

[The Garbage Disposal Unit]

Compared to an anatomically modern human, a Neanderthal would stand shorter (about 5'5ish) but they would be very broad and stocky. They were less nimble on their feet, perhaps - but they were built for endurance, so to speak. As I mentioned, they had compact, durable skeletons and huge upper body strength - so I suspect that a neanderthal would probably have an edge over a modern human.

See, I think a lot of people think about fights this way - as "fair" fights.

The thing is, if buddy is slow on his feet, Ima run away, then come back an hour later and jump him from behind.

[Sea]

Compared to an anatomically modern human, a Neanderthal would stand shorter (about 5'5ish) but they would be very broad and stocky.It doesn't seem like that would be much of a difference though:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_height#Average_height_around_the_world