August 5, 2024 | Alex Summers

The Truth About Our Ancient Cousins: The Neanderthals


From Myths To Understanding

For many years, people held on to myths and suppositions about the Neanderthals. However, recent findings have unearthed the truth about our ancient relatives.

Neanderthal Intro

Discovering The Neanderthals

In 1856, some fossils were found in Germany's Neander Valley. At first, people believed these bones belonged to a physically challenged contemporary human. However, further discoveries started to shape the Neanderthal narrative.

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Physical Attributes

Neanderthals had strong, muscular bodies ideal for surviving in frigid settings. Unlike the slimmer forms of modern people, their heavy-set, stocky bodies were designed to retain heat. They also possessed a body type that would put today’s bodybuilders to shame.

Shutterstock 1595953531Gorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Brain Size And Structure

Neanderthals' brains were likely larger than ours. But, intelligence is not just determined by brain size; it is also caused by the organization and structure of the brain. Their brains were tuned for functions like vision and motor control.

Homo sapiens neanderthalensisNeanderthal-Museum, Mettmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Postcranial Features

Their bones, too, were thicker and stronger to adapt to their physically demanding lifestyle. Living in adverse conditions would have been deadly without these features. If Neanderthals were around today, they’d probably be the ones showing off their biceps at the gym.

Shutterstock 1595953513Gorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Early Interpretations

People initially thought that the Neanderthals were brutes and docile, just as the caveman movies portrayed them. However, more research has proven this perception wrong. The Neanderthals had complex lifestyles and interacted intelligently with their environment.

cave man with fure in handGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Comparison With Modern Humans

Comparing Neanderthals to modern humans is like comparing a tank to a sports car: the former is built for strength, while the latter is for versatility. Neanderthals were the ultimate survival machines, and modern humans as adaptable future models.

Neanderthal in hunting moodGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Diet And Nutrition

Neanderthals' diet consisted mainly of meat from large herbivores. Yet they were flexible with what they ate and not completely carnivorous. Feeding on different plants enabled them to adapt to changes in the season and environment.

caveman eating meatGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Hunting Techniques And Tools

Neanderthals had to develop helpful hunting techniques and tools to capture large animals. They employed wooden spears and ambushes to hunt down their prey. Additionally, Neanderthals could make assorted stone tools like scrapers, knives, and awls with which to process their kill.

Neanderthal HuntersTrougnouf (Benoit Brummer), CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Tool Technology And Innovations

The Mousterian tool culture, which crafted different stone tools for specific purposes, was invented by the Neanderthals. By mastering the Levallois technique, they could also produce sharp-edged tools. This technological advancement reflects their understanding of materials and their properties.

Tools of NeanderthalsIque Perez, Shutterstock

Shelter And Habitats

Studies report that Neanderthals lived in different places during their existence. Their remains have been found in dry grasslands, temperate regions, and icy environs. Caves and other natural formations provided shelter for them during adverse weather conditions. Some also might have constructed shelters using wood and other natural materials.

CaveTama66, Pixabay

Social Structure

Each Neanderthal society consisted of small groups of 10-30 closely related individuals. Sometimes, these communities functioned like families, depicting strong social bonds. Every member of the society appeared to have a well-defined responsibility.

Group of NeanderthalsGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Communication And Language

No substantial evidence suggests that there was a Neanderthal language. Yet, that doesn't mean they didn't communicate. The complex activities they engaged in are sufficient proof that they had some form of communication. Communication could have involved vocalizations, gestures, and body language.

CavemansIgorVer, Shutterstock

Arts And Symbolism

In addition to making tools and possessing communication skills, our distant cousins loved to express themselves using arts and symbols. Neanderthals left behind several engraved patterns on cave walls, decorated shells, and pierced animal teeth likely worn on the body.

CuevaManosWikimedia Commons

Cultural Practices And Rituals

More research has shown that Neanderthals had cultural practices and rituals. One excavation site revealed that they buried the dead, sending their loved ones forth with items like tools or animal bones. It could mean that they believed in the afterlife.

Tool of NeanderthalsIque Perez, Shutterstock

Clothing And Clothing Materials

Neanderthals were perhaps the first loth designers—the Louis Vuittons of the ancient world. They used scrapers, awls, and similar tools to process hides and fur, converting these items into garments that provided warmth and protection. Parts of the clothing likely included capes or cloaks sewn together using sinew or plant fibers.

caveman on huntingGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Child Rearing And Family Life

Neanderthal families taught their children basic survival skills and domestic chores. This way, the locals passed down knowledge to the next generation. Neanderthals cared for older people and those who could not fend for themselves.

Neanderthals old and youngWolfgang Sauber, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Cognitive Abilities

Proofs of the Neanderthal’s cognitive abilities can be seen in their ability to plan, strategize, and adapt to changing environments. They might have shown high levels of intelligence and problem-solving skills, qualities that trump outdated views of Neanderthals as primitive beings.

Neanderthals trying to make fireGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Genome

Genetic research has revealed that Neanderthals were more than just distant cousins—they were part of our evolutionary family tree. About 2% of our DNA is similar to theirs, leading us to reexamine our previous knowledge about human genetics.

Statue of NeanderthalDEVA PRASKA DEWANTARA, Shutterstock

Genome Analysis

Scientists sequenced the Neanderthal genome, and the result changed much of what we knew about our ancient relatives. Researchers compared Neanderthal DNA with modern humans, discovering secrets about their health, adaptations, and interactions with early humans!

Neanderthal MuseumEsin Deniz, Shutterstock

Genetic Adaptations

Neanderthals developed many adaptations that enhanced their ability to thrive in varying circumstances. They adapted to cold climates and different diets, which enabled them to thrive in diverse environments. Our ability to adapt was because we inherited some Neanderthal genes.

Primeval Caveman Wearing Animal SkinGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Interbreeding With Humans

Neanderthals and early modern humans most likely interbred when both groups came into contact in Europe and Asia. This reality, as seen in the genetic makeup of present-day non-African populations, affected the genetic diversity of modern humans.

Collectie TropenmuseumCollectie Wereldmuseum CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Impact On Modern Humans

Neanderthals influenced Homo sapiens in so many ways. In addition to the transfer of genes, they impacted our traditions, tool-making habits, and survival ability. Our ancestors could learn these new skills due to the interactions that took place between both groups.

Man getup as NeanderthalsAnton Vierietin, Shutterstock

Climate Change And Neanderthal Decline

Climate change could be one possible reason for the Neanderthals' extinction. Temperature fluctuations and other environmental changes made it increasingly difficult to find food. These mounting environmental pressures might have made it more difficult to adapt to new conditions.

A group of  NeanderthalsGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Competition With Modern Humans

Competition with modern humans could also be another reason Neanderthals no longer exist. The increasing human population might have overwhelmed the Neanderthals, leaving them with little or nothing. Modern humans also had better tools, weapons, and social structures.

Increasing populationAngga Budhiyanto, Shutterstock

Sites And Settlements

Several Neanderthal sites have been under excavation for a while. One is the Shanidar Cave in Iraq, which revealed some burial practices and insight into how Neanderthals cared for the injured. Another important site is the Neander Valley in Germany.

Shanidar CaveOsama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg), CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Symbolic Behaviors

In addition to their cultural practices, Neanderthals must have used symbols extensively. We see this in their burial practices and the use of pigments. Symbolism suggests the capacity for abstract thought and also an appreciation of aesthetics.

Neanderthals familyGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Comparison With Early Modern Human Art

There are differences and similarities between the arts of Neanderthals and modern humans. First, Neanderthal arts were much more straightforward, demonstrating their love for beauty and symbols. Still, they laid the foundations for modern artistic endeavors.

Art of Neanderthals huntersGAS-photo, Shutterstock

Trade And Social Networks

Neanderthal communities showed signs of trade and social networks. Definitely not Facebook or LinkedIn. Excavations revealed the exchange of items, which probably was a form of trade Neanderthals practiced. Social interactions like these would have been instrumental in spreading knowledge.

caveman dealingBadahos, Shutterstock

Subsistence Strategies

Neanderthals likely displayed some form of subsistence. Activities like hunting, foraging, and fishing were different methods used to secure food and other necessities. These also show just how complex Neanderthal societies were.

Neanderthals fish huntingFrantic00, Shutterstock

Fire Use And Management

Another skill likely demonstrated by Neanderthals was fire management. Not like they had firefighters or smiths, but scientists have unearthed several activities showing controlled fire use. Neanderthals needed to learn fire management because it was essential for cooking, keeping warm, and protecting against predators.

Prehistoric Hunter-Gatherers with fireGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Use Of Heated Stone For Cooking And Tool-Making

In addition to their mastery of fire, Neanderthals used heated stones for tool making. Since the process of making stone tools was complicated, heating stones made it easier to shape the different tools precisely.

Neanderthal / Homo Sapiens FamilyGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Hunting Techniques

Neanderthals also applied different hunting strategies to capture large game and secure food resources. The strategies include ambushes and using spears and similar sharp tools. They likely developed and adapted these different hunting techniques for different scenarios.

Neanderthals Hunting TechniquesGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Tool Maintenance And Repair

Not only did Neanderthals make tools, but they also maintained them through sharpening and reshaping. Broken tools were also repaired and reused. The ability to preserve tools highlights their problem-solving and resource management abilities.

Prehistoric stone axeBukhta Yurii, Shutterstock

Seasonal Movements

Neanderthals rarely stayed in one place for long. They frequently moved about as the seasons changed, in pursuit of migratory animals or in search of seasonal plants. Frequent movements like these depicted their rich understanding of the world and ability to plan.

Hunter-Gatherers Wearing Animal SkinGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Habitat And Geographic Range Overview

Seasonal movements were possible because Neanderthals had adapted to a wide range of geographical habitats. From Western Europe to parts of Asia and cold northern regions to temperate areas, excavations have shown how large an area they'd lived.

Neanderthal Museum in KrapinaTamisclao, Shutterstock

Group Dynamics

Shared responsibilities and mutual support shaped the lives of Neanderthals. Many of their small groups contained individuals who helped out with routine activities like nurturing the vulnerable and hunting. Neanderthal cooperation instilled a sense of oneness and camaraderie.

 Neanderthal Family Hunting in the Jungle or Migrating for Better LandGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Territoriality And Land Use

One fascinating aspect of Neanderthal life was how they properly managed their land. Territories were maximized by dividing the land into separate portions for hunting, gathering, and shelter. They might have studied the nature of the land and selected appropriate sites based on different factors.

Neanderthal Going Hunting into the Jungle.Gorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Food Preparation Techniques

The Neanderthals mastered different food processing techniques to enhance food nutrition and flavor. The meat was cooked over a fire to soften it and make it easier to chew and digest. Other methods were possibly developed to preserve food for future use.

Neanderthal or Homo Sapiens Family CookingGorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Neanderthals Practiced Cannibalism

Several pieces of evidence suggest that Neanderthals could have been cannibals. Archaeologists discovered some bones that looked like they were butchered for food. Neanderthals might have been forced into cannibalism when food was scarce or took part in it as part of some ritual.

Neanderthal or Homo Sapiens Family Cooking Animal Meat over Bonfire and then Eating it.Gorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Disease And Health

Like any other living being, Neanderthals faced many health challenges, including injuries, infections, and diseases. Their skeletal remains show different signs of trauma and pathology. However, evidence of healed injuries suggests Neanderthals cared for the sick and injured.

1595983330Gorodenkoff, Shutterstock

Neanderthals Used Medicinal Plants

After examining some fossils, experts discovered evidence suggesting Neanderthals used medicinal plants to treat ailments and illnesses. Traces of plants like yarrow and chamomile found in dental plaque analysis presume that Neanderthals knew about self-care and herbal medicines.

Chamomilekallerna, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Neanderthals Had High Pain Tolerance

In 2020, researchers showed that Neanderthals had the SCN9A gene, which allowed them to endure severe pain. The presence of this variant helped them survive the frequent injuries they were exposed to. Imagine a pain tolerance so great that one could lose a finger without wincing.

Scn9A GeneJawahar Swaminathan, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons

Scientific Methods Used In Neanderthal Research

Since the first sighting of Neanderthal fossils, the scientific methods used to study their remains have improved significantly. Whereas initial studies used simple fossil analysis, current research now employs improved methods like DNA sequencing and isotopic analysis.

2238546567frantic00, Shutterstock

Neanderthals In Popular Culture

Some media portrayals of Neanderthals have led to the myth that these distant cousins were primitive and unintelligent. In particular, several movies and TV shows describe them as brutish cavemen. Nevertheless, a few are beginning to correctly portray Neanderthals as intelligent.

Neanderthals making toolsCherry-hai, Shutterstock


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