Neanderthals are supposed to be bulky guys in an ice age climate. This picture is based on the pronounced muscle markings, big joint surfaces and thick bones of the Neanderthals. Those features are thought to be due to high physical loadings.

Results of recent medical long-term-studies indicate that this idea could be wrong.

During her PhD project, Astrid Slizewski will analyze the relations between muscle markings, joint surfaces, bone thickness, musculature and strength of archaeological hunter gather populations. A special focus will be on the Neanderthals. Analyze is based on detailed computed tomography studies of fossil bones and medical comparative data.