History books, television, and even museums have painted Neanderthals as primitive cavemen. Thanks to recent discoveries though, that image is starting to change.
It’s incredible how much alike we are with these ancient people. Their story isn’t just history — it’s a part of us, living in our DNA even today.
1. Neanderthals Made Complex Tools
Neanderthals were not simple-minded; they crafted advanced tools. They created spear points, scrapers, and even tools made from bone. This shows their ability to plan, design, and innovate, debunking the myth of their primitive nature.
2. They Had Big Brains
Neanderthals had brains that were often larger than those of modern humans. This suggests they had significant cognitive abilities. Their brain size indicates they were capable of complex thought and social interactions.
3. Neanderthals Created Art
Neanderthals weren’t just toolmakers; they were artists too. They used ochre to paint on cave walls and decorated their bodies with pigments. This artistic expression shows they had a sense of aesthetics and possibly even symbolic thinking.
4. They Used Fire
Neanderthals mastered the use of fire for cooking, warmth, and protection. They even built hearths in their living spaces. Their control over fire is a testament to their ingenuity and survival skills.
5. Neanderthals Had a Diverse Diet
Contrary to the belief they were solely meat-eaters, Neanderthals had a varied diet. They consumed plants, nuts, and seafood. This diversity in their diet reflects their adaptability and knowledge of their environment.
6. They Buried Their Dead
Neanderthals practiced burial rituals, suggesting they had complex beliefs about death and possibly an understanding of the afterlife. Gravesites with buried Neanderthals have been found with tools and flowers, indicating ceremonial practices.
7. Neanderthals Made Clothing
To survive harsh climates, Neanderthals made clothing from animal hides. They used tools to scrape and prepare the skins, showing their skills in tailoring and adapting to their surroundings.
8. They Had Advanced Communication Skills
Neanderthals likely had the ability to speak and use complex language. The structure of their hyoid bone, similar to modern humans, supports the theory that they could produce a wide range of sounds necessary for speech.
9. Neanderthals Built Shelters
Neanderthals were not just cave dwellers; they built shelters from wood and animal bones. These structures provided protection from the elements and predators, showcasing their architectural skills.
10. They Practiced Medicine
Neanderthals cared for their sick and injured, indicating they had knowledge of basic medicine and healing practices. Skeletons show evidence of healing, suggesting they provided care and support to one another.
11. Neanderthals Played Music
The discovery of a flute-like instrument made from a bear’s bone suggests Neanderthals enjoyed music. This finding points to their ability to create and appreciate music, adding another dimension to their cultural life.
12. They Traveled and Traded
Neanderthals were not isolated; they traveled and possibly traded with distant groups. Tools and artifacts found far from their origin suggest they had networks of interaction and exchange.
13. Neanderthals Had Red Hair and Fair Skin
Genetic studies have revealed that some Neanderthals had red hair and fair skin. This genetic diversity is similar to that of modern humans and indicates a wide range of physical appearances among Neanderthals.
14. They Interbred with Modern Humans
Neanderthals and modern humans interbred, and as a result, many people today carry Neanderthal DNA. This genetic legacy influences various traits, from immune responses to physical characteristics.
15. Neanderthals Were Compassionate
Evidence shows that Neanderthals cared for the elderly and disabled. This compassion and social structure demonstrate they had strong community bonds and valued the well-being of their members.
What Meg Got Wrong About Megalodons and 27 Other Fascinating Facts About These Colossal Prehistoric Sharks
The megalodon, a massive predator that once ruled the seas, has been extinct for millions of years. Its scientific name, Otodus megalodon, means “giant tooth,” reflecting the enormous size of its teeth, which are far larger than those of today’s great white sharks. The discovery of these teeth has given us valuable information about the megalodon’s life and extinction.
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
