Amazing Things That the Neanderthals Did (Video)
Around 300,000 years ago, before humans roamed the Earth, another species known as Neanderthals inhabited much of Eurasia. Their name comes from the Neander Valley in Germany, where the first remains were found. Neanderthals are often misunderstood as primitive cavemen. Recent studies show a more complex picture. They stood upright with straight spines and wore clothes made from animal hides. Evidence suggests they even had basic weaving skills. One fascinating aspect of Neanderthal life was their communication. Genetic studies reveal they possessed the genes for speech and language. They cared for the sick and buried their dead, implying spoken communication and perhaps rituals. Their diet varied based on their environment. Those near the sea consumed aquatic life, while forest-dwellers favored plants and small game. They also used medicinal plants like chamomile and yarrow.
Despite physical differences, Neanderthals and early humans interbred, leaving traces of Neanderthal DNA in some modern Europeans. Sadly, Neanderthals disappeared around 36,000 years ago, likely due to climate shifts and competition with Homo sapiens, who had diverse diets and advanced trade networks. While skirmishes may have occurred, large-scale violence between the two species remains unsubstantiated. The Neanderthals' story offers a captivating glimpse into our ancient past, revealing a species not so different from us, adapting, communicating, and surviving in a challenging world.
Top image: A Neanderthal hunting. Source: Bartek / Adobe Stock.
