Homo athielensis

Homo athielensis (also H. erectus athielensis) is an extinct species, or subspecies, that existed that existed between 120,000 - 776,000 years ago. It is subsumed to be a subspecies of H. erectus. Due to the very recent discovery of this subspecies, many classifications are still debated.

H. athielensis is placed as the most recent common ancestor between modern humans, as well as elves, and H. erectus. The specimens that were discovered may have existed just before the human/elf split. As research continues, more and more discoveries, especially concerning the relationship between elves and humans, may unravel. During the era in which this specimen lived, brain size averaged around 1,200 cc, comparable to modern humans and elves. Height averaged around 165.5 cm (1.655 blocks) for the specimens in Athiel, Tortuga. They are also postulated to have wide chests and robust overall.

H. athielensis oversaw the advent of distinctive flint handaxes, diverging from contemporary H. erectus, and probably relates to increasing intelligence. Fire, or possibly other heating sources such as springs in nearby mountains, may have became an integral part of daily life, coinciding with the appearance of widespread occupation of Rathnir and the appearance of hafting technology to create more sophisticated weapons. Because of this, H. athielensis carried out more coordinated hunting strategies and seemed to have a higher dependence on meat.

Food
H. athielensis seem to have consumed big game at a higher frequency than H. erectus near the Ardol Formation, with meat becoming a vital dietary component. Larger jawbones seem to suggest consumption of medium- to large animals. The inhabitants seem to have mainly eaten wild pigs, but was also found to consume baboons, cows, and other large creatures. As more research is being done, more evidence of coordinated hunting strategies have been found in addition to the existence of big game. However, exploitation of aquatic environments are virtually non-existent despite easy access to nearby rivers and streams.

Plants were also probably frequently consumed, but the extent of their exploitation is unknown as they do not fossilize as well as animal bones. Assuming they had a diet largely dependent on meat, an individual would have to take in high amounts of sugar to prevent food poisoning, such as by eating abundant berries, sugar-cane, grass, or nuts. Southern Sørligste, especially, contains abundant amounts of edible berries.