The discovery was significant because the remains have been securely dated at over 780 kyr. This makes the material the earliest known European specimens. The most complete specimen is Hominid 3, which is also the type specimen for antecessor . This is unusual because Hominid 3 is a 10-year old, and therefore has not fully developed its skeletal characteristics. The specimen was chosen because it highlighted all the features that the researchers were attempting to describe as typic of the species.
Few researchers accept the antecessor taxon, instead considering the material heidelbergensis .
Diagnostic Features Gran Dolina is a site in the Sierra de Atapuerca of Burgos, Spain. At present it holds the distinction of being the oldest hominid-bearing site in Europe. The material from the site was located in layer TD6, which is associated with a paleomagnetic reversal at 780 kyr, making this material at least that old and possibly older. This evidence is corroborated by faunal remains that indicate a date prior to the Burnese Normal. Remains have been found from at least six individuals from the site, with Hominid 3 the best-preserved of the material.