Kabwe 1 skull found in Zambia mine dates to 299,000 ± 25,000 years old. First archaic human fossil discovered in Africa in 1921. Classified as Homo heidelbergensis with massive brow ridge, thick bone, low forehead, and 1,280 cc brain. Associated tibia indicates 179-184 cm tall, 63-81 kg individual, largest archaic human stature. Severe tooth decay from overload, age, lead poisoning killed it via sepsis. Linked to Middle Stone Age Lupemban tools and butchered large mammals. Postcrania robust like H. ergaster, unlike Neanderthals. Some unprovenanced fossils modern-like, others archaic. Proposed common ancestor of Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. African Middle Pleistocene fossils distinct from Asian H. erectus. Brain long and low, asymmetrical for right-handedness. Orbits square, face narrow, sinuses extensive for bite strain. Hematite pigment suggests symbolic behavior. Site had miombo woodlands, hyenas, humans intermittently occupied cavern. Zambia demands repatriation from British Museum as colonial theft.