
Neanderthals were not monsters but complex human cousins whose lives, tools, and minds illuminate our own species.
Neanderthals buried their dead with crafted grave goods and flowers, hints of ritual beyond mere survival.
Some Neanderthals used complex projectiles and hafted spears, rivaling early Homo sapiens in tool sophistication.
Neanderthals contributed to modern DNA;Around 1-2% of non-African genomes are Neanderthal-derived.
Neanderthals possibly spoke fully formed languages, evidenced by cranial features aiding complex vocalization.

Neanderthals buried their dead with crafted grave goods and flowers, hints of ritual beyond mere survival.
Some Neanderthals used complex projectiles and hafted spears, rivaling early Homo sapiens in tool sophistication.
Neanderthals contributed to modern DNA;Around 1-2% of non-African genomes are Neanderthal-derived.
Neanderthals possibly spoke fully formed languages, evidenced by cranial features aiding complex vocalization.