Neandertals

Neanderthals were an extinct group of humans who lived in Europe and parts of western Asia from about 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. They had robust bodies, with strong muscles and thick bones, adapted to cold climates. Neanderthals made advanced tools, controlled fire, and possibly created early art and jewelry. They shared a common ancestor with modern humans and interbred with them, contributing to the DNA of many people today. Despite often being portrayed as primitive, recent research shows they were intelligent, capable of complex behavior, and adapted well to their environments.