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The distinction between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals is becoming increasingly unclear. Researchers are beginning to question whether they should be considered separate species at all. Although Neanderthals are extinct (and could possibly be a subspecies of modern humans), evidence from archaeology reveals many striking similarities with contemporary humans. From cosmetics and personal habits to parenting techniques and the use of medicinal remedies to fight illness, Neanderthals demonstrated a remarkable capacity for innovation and emotion. The cause of their extinction, which occurred roughly 24,000 years ago, remains one of history's greatest mysteries.
10. Their Cognitive Abilities Included the Use of Symbols
The cognitive abilities of Neanderthals remain a subject of ongoing debate. In 2017, researchers in Crimea uncovered an intriguing find at the Zaskalnaya VI site, a former Neanderthal dwelling. A small raven bone appeared to be adorned, and while the decoration wasn’t intricate, two distinct notches piqued the interest of the scientists.
To determine whether the notches were deliberately added for symbolic purposes or to create a pattern, volunteers recreated the marks on turkey bones. The choice of turkey was based on the similarity of its bones to those of the Zaskalnaya raven. The results from the turkey bones closely matched the ancient specimen.
Altered bones have been found at Neanderthal sites before, but the Zaskalnaya discovery stands out. These findings suggest that what was once thought to be random markings caused by butchery might actually have been used as jewelry or ornaments. The Zaskalnaya bone is the first evidence indicating that Neanderthals incorporated symbolic patterns into their carvings.
9. Fire-Producing Minerals
Another impressive discovery occurred in France in 2016. Evidence suggests that multiple groups living in what is now the Pech-de-l’Aze archaeological site actively gathered manganese dioxide to help start fires. At first glance, this mineral doesn’t seem like it would be useful for warming up a cave. It’s noncombustible on its own. However, during excavations, 50,000-year-old ‘blocs’ of the substance kept appearing.
Initially, these chunks were dismissed as simply black pigment. However, that theory didn’t hold up over time. If Neanderthals wanted black coloring, they had easy access to soot and charcoal from their fires. Manganese dioxide would have been a more laborious option, as they had to actively collect it, unlike soot which was readily available. This led researchers to believe there was another reason for gathering this mineral.
Tests revealed that when ground, manganese dioxide could help create a more stable and enduring fire. Somehow, Neanderthals discovered that a non-flammable material could aid in fire-making, explaining their effort to gather this valuable resource.
8. They Curated Personal Collections
Around 130,000 years ago, a Neanderthal came across an unusual pebble. They picked it up and carried it back to their home, a cave in what is now Croatia, at the Krapina archaeological site. The cave was made of sandstone, while the rock was a distinctive brown limestone with black markings. Among the 1,000 stone pieces uncovered from Krapina, none resembled this particular pebble. Its unique appearance likely captured the Neanderthal's attention.
In 2015, a discovery was made at the same site: a collection of eagle talons, carved and fashioned into jewelry. In other locations, Neanderthals were also found to have collected shells and decorated them with pigments.
The limestone rock was originally uncovered during excavations between 1899 and 1905, but it was forgotten until recent research by the same team that found the eagle talons revisited earlier findings. This rock, which seemed to serve no function other than its aesthetic appeal, had no alterations suggesting it was used as a tool or jewelry. Measuring about 13 centimeters (5 in) long, 10 centimeters (4 in) high, and 1.3 centimeters (0.5 in) thick, it was likely found a few miles north of the cave, where similar limestone formations are located.
7. Their Homes Featured Heated Water
The idea of a Neanderthal enjoying a prehistoric beverage while relaxing in a Jacuzzi may seem far-fetched for cave dwellers. While it’s unclear what they might have drank or if they truly lounged, one thing is certain: some Neanderthal caves likely had artificially heated water sources. A 60,000-year-old cave site in Barcelona, Spain, has already revealed much about Neanderthal domestic life, but what stood out most in 2015 was the discovery of a hole near the hearths. Archaeologists believe it was used to provide the community with hot water.
The Neanderthals of this particular site were quite organized. Their living areas were carefully divided into sleeping spaces, trash disposal zones, and tool-making areas. They even had an abattoir. Animal remains found at the site included deer, goats, and horses. These Neanderthals didn’t live haphazardly; their homes were methodically arranged, chore areas were separated, meals were plentiful, and hot water was used to make life more comfortable.
6. Mastery of Herbal Medicine
A Neanderthal study has revealed that these ancient humans were not unfamiliar with sickness or herbal remedies. Found at the El Sidron site in Spain, the individual had a range of ailments. When microbiologists analyzed the tartar on its teeth in 2017, they uncovered several harmful pathogens and learned how this Neanderthal likely managed their illnesses.
Among the pathogens discovered was Enterocytozoon bieneusi, indicating that the Neanderthal likely experienced vomiting and diarrhea. The treatment was probably antibiotic-producing molds, which Neanderthals might have consumed. DNA from Penicillium rubens was found in the tartar. Additionally, a dental abscess caused by a subspecies of Methanobrevibacter oralis appeared to have been treated with prehistoric painkillers. The sample also contained traces of salicyclic acid, the active ingredient in modern aspirin.
The discovery of Methanobrevibacter was particularly intriguing. In modern times, these bacteria are transmitted through saliva. This Neanderthal strain, however, dates back 125,000 years, likely originating during the interbreeding period between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. This oral microorganism was passed between species, probably in the same manner as today, through shared meals or intimate contact like kissing.
5. Shimmering Body Art
Neanderthals were long ahead of the modern body glitter trend. In 2008, archaeologists investigating a Neanderthal site in Spain made a remarkable discovery. While exploring Cueva Anton, a student uncovered what initially appeared to be a fossilized wall. After cleaning it, it became clear that it was a pierced scallop shell. The surface was adorned with red and yellow pigment particles. This led researchers to revisit a 1985 find from a nearby cave: an oyster shell that also contained pigment. After examining the 50,000-year-old oyster, they identified the pigment as a mixture of minerals, including haematite, lepidocrocite, charcoal, and pyrite.
The dark-red substance offered a fascinating glimpse into Neanderthal habits. It was a sophisticated mixture, crafted from pigments that required effort to gather, suggesting its significance. While it can't be definitively proven, researchers speculate that the concoction was likely a type of body powder. The mixture's shimmering dark glitter points to its potential use as a cosmetic or symbolic adornment.
4. Advanced Language Skills
Popular media often depict cavemen as grunting, speechless beings, a stereotype that has endured for many. Few consider what kind of language Neanderthals might have used, if they had one at all, or how sophisticated their communication could have been. In 1989, however, the discovery of a 60,000-year-old Neanderthal hyoid bone in Israel changed this perspective. This bone, which supports the tongue and is crucial for speech, was remarkably similar to the modern human hyoid. Unlike other primates, whose hyoid bones prevent them from vocalizing like humans, Neanderthals had the anatomical capability for speech.
In 2013, computer simulations revealed that Neanderthal hyoids functioned similarly to those of modern humans. This discovery was enough to support the idea that Neanderthals could speak and engage in complex language. Previously, complex language was thought to be exclusive to Homo sapiens. While more research is needed to confirm that Neanderthals possessed grammar or idiomatic expressions, this finding strongly suggests that they were as capable of verbal communication as humans, potentially reshaping our understanding of what it means to be human.
3. Compassion for the Disabled
The discovery of a Neanderthal burial in 1908 in Southern France once led to the mistaken notion that all Neanderthals had a hunched back and were less intelligent. The individual found had a bowed spine, which became the stereotypical image of Neanderthals. This misunderstanding persisted for years, reinforcing the misconception of Neanderthals as primitive and less capable.
A 2013 study uncovered that the individual in question was elderly, between 30 and 40 years old, and suffered from severe physical disabilities. He was almost unable to walk, with several fused or broken vertebrae and an abnormal right hip. Additionally, he lacked teeth to chew food. Without the care of his family or community, he would not have survived for so long.
When he passed away around 50,000 years ago, he was not discarded like carrion. Instead, he was respectfully buried within a cave. His grave was carved into the stone floor, and the earth surrounding his body was carefully packed. This burial process, which took considerable time and effort, was done with clear intent and compassion, indicating that Neanderthals may have had a tradition of honoring their deceased loved ones.
2. The Mystery of the Boat
A specific type of stone tool known as 'mousterian' is linked exclusively to Neanderthals, revealing that they ventured to several islands in the Mediterranean. Some of these islands were so far from the mainland that swimming was not a feasible option. One such island was Crete, located 40 kilometers (25 miles) from mainland Greece. Swimming across this distance seems unlikely, especially as the first person to travel there would not have even known Crete existed. So, how did Neanderthals manage to reach the island?
Interestingly, some experts and institutions are beginning to entertain the idea that Neanderthals might have been seafarers. Discovering their distinctive tools on distant islands supports the notion that they possessed boat-building and navigation skills. The artifacts found on Crete date back around 100,000 years, while the earliest seafaring evidence for modern humans only dates to 50,000 years ago. However, this doesn't suggest that Neanderthals were sailing 50,000 years earlier than humans. Boats being made of wood means any evidence of early sea voyages would have long since disappeared.
1. Toys for Their Young Ones
It appears that Neanderthals also had a tradition of educational toys for their children. The discovery of what seems to be toy axes is contributing to the growing evidence that Neanderthal families were tight-knit groups where members took care of each other. Parents likely created these toys not just for entertainment, but to teach their young the skills they would eventually need in adulthood.
European Neanderthal locations, including two in England, have yielded small tools that resemble toys. It's easy to understand why many believe these artifacts were actually playthings. A full-grown Neanderthal would have found it difficult to perform any real task with such diminutive tools.
In France and Belgium, archaeologists have uncovered sites where Neanderthals made stone tools. Some of the rocks were skillfully shaped, while others showed signs of a less experienced hand. This has led researchers to speculate that Neanderthal children were being taught the craft of toolmaking by the more experienced members of their community.
