How Neanderthals Survived the Ice Age (Video)

In a prehistoric drama over 300,000 years ago, early Neanderthals navigated the challenges of northern Europe during the Ice Age, utilizing bear skins as a crucial adaptation to the harsh climate. This ancient adaptation, akin to an ancient Blitzkrieg, left an indelible mark on the archaeological record. Neanderthals, aggressive and carnivorous super predators, ruled the Stone Age food chain, with everything, including fellow humans, on their menu. New evidence suggests that the use of bear skins played a pivotal role in their survival during the bitter winters. Cut marks on Cave Bear bones indicate meticulous butchering, highlighting the importance of these skins for warmth. The fine cut marks on the bear carcasses reveal not only a strategic approach to survival but also intricate butchery patterns, suggesting a sophisticated adaptation to the northern environment.

Furthermore, the discovery of wooden spears challenges previous perceptions of Neanderthals as primitive scavengers. The Schoningen Spears (found in a mine in Schoningen, Germany) were crafted with a surprisingly advanced design and building techniques, signifying a level of technological prowess previously associated with modern humans. This evidence reshapes our understanding of early Neanderthals, portraying them as skilled hunters with intricate social systems and possibly a form of language. The Schoningen discoveries unveil a complex narrative of survival, adaptation, and mastery in the face of the Ice Age's challenges.

• Neanderthals and Humans Were at War… For 100,000 Years!
• 300,000-Year-Old Schöningen Spears Reveal Prehistoric Advanced Woodworking

Top image: Neanderthal in the Ice Age. Source: Alan / Adobe Stock.

By Robbie Mitchell