During early research about Neanderthals, scientists concluded that this extinct species of humans were primitive and unintelligent. Later on, as the understanding of Neanderthals expanded, it became clear that they were much smarter than we gave them credit. Let’s check out the five facts that prove this.
Neanderthals Were Around for 250,000 Years
While Neanderthals are now extinct, they were around for quite a while. It is estimated that Neanderthals roamed the Earth for 250,000 years while dealing with some of the most difficult climate conditions and nature challenges of all archaic humans. For comparison, modern humans are only around for the last 100,000 years.
Neanderthals Crafted Tools and Weapons
Neanderthals were familiar with the concept of tools and weapons. They would shape stones and bones into tools while also using the same material to create weapons.
Neanderthals Buried Their Dead
Neanderthals were capable of feeling compassion and seemed to care about members of their group. One great example of this is that they buried their dead, which also shuts down the myth about them being extremely primitive.
Neanderthals Used Fire
Researchers found out that Neanderthals used fire like modern humans. They used fire to cook, burn things, and even for crafting. Estimations are that Neanderthals may have started using fire 400,000 years ago.
Neanderthals Created the Earliest Cave Art
Neanderthals were the original artists. The earliest cave art, a red hand stencil in Maltravieso cave, Cáceres, Spain, was created 64,000 ago and attributed to Neanderthals.
