The Neanderthals

Neanderthals were close relatives of modern humans who lived in Europe and western Asia about 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. They were hardy, adaptable hunters and gatherers with robust bodies, large brains, and skilled toolmakers. Despite often being portrayed as primitive, evidence shows they used fire, made clothing, and may have had symbolic behaviors. Neanderthals eventually went extinct, likely due to climate change and competition with early Homo sapiens. Genetic studies also reveal they contributed DNA to many modern humans outside Africa, indicating some interbreeding and shared ancestry.