Archaeologists have unearthed a rock shelter in Tajikistan that may have served as a meeting point for Neanderthals, Denisovans, and modern humans over a staggering 130,000 years. Located along the Zeravshan River, the site, named Soii Havzak, offers a unique glimpse into the interactions of these ancient human species during the Stone Age.
A new study using ecological modeling suggests that the Zagros Mountains in Iran were a key location where Neanderthals and early modern humans interbred, providing a potential explanation for the genetic traces of Neanderthals found in modern humans. This finding highlights the importance of the region in human migration and evolution.
While we’ve never found direct evidence of Neanderthal clothing, a wealth of indirect clues suggests they were skilled fashionistas. From stone tools used to process animal hides to the presence of body lice, research points to the likely use of leather and fur garments for warmth in the harsh climates they inhabited.
This article explores the ongoing debate surrounding the final Neanderthal populations, focusing on evidence from the Iberian Peninsula and the latest research that challenges previous assumptions. It investigates the use of radiocarbon dating and archaeological evidence to pinpoint the last known Neanderthal communities and considers the potential for interbreeding with Homo sapiens.
A new analysis of the DNA of ‘Thorin’, a Neanderthal who lived around 42,000 years ago, reveals he belonged to a previously unknown lineage isolated for 50,000 years. This discovery challenges existing theories about Neanderthal extinction and highlights the importance of social and cultural factors in their demise.
A new analysis of a Neanderthal child’s ear bone suggests the first known case of Down syndrome in our closest human relatives. The discovery of ‘Tina’ provides evidence of Neanderthals engaging in altruistic behavior, caring for a child with a challenging genetic condition who wouldn’t have been able to contribute in return.
Neanderthals, our close evolutionary cousins, hold a fascination for researchers and the public. They play a significant role in understanding the uniqueness of our species, Homo sapiens. Recent discoveries in archaeology and other disciplines shed light on the Neanderthal mind and its differences from ours. Despite anatomical similarities, evidence suggests cognitive differences in brain architecture, language, and symbolic thought. The key distinction lies in the ability of modern humans to link semantic clusters in the brain, fostering metaphor and abstract thinking. This cognitive advantage set the stage for the development of our species and its global dominance.
A bear bone found in Poland and adorned with 17 parallel cuts may be one of the oldest known works of art created by Neanderthals in Europe. Scientists at the University of Wrocław believe that the bone was likely crafted by a right-handed person around 130,000 years ago. The study, published in the Quaternary Science Reviews, offers new insights into the advanced cognitive abilities of Neanderthals.
