Neanderthals: A Look at a Precursor to Modern Man

Neanderthals (also known as "Neandertals") were a species of hominid which inhabited Europe and parts of Asia around 350,000 years ago. They were first reportedly discovered in 1829 in Engis Belgium and further discoveries were made in 1848 at Forbes' Quarry, Gibralter and in 1856 at what is now known as "Neander Valley." After the discovery in August of 1856, a man named Charles Darwin published his book called "On the Origin of Species."

One specimen later called Neanderthal 1 was originally believed to be the remains of a bear. Only after being turned over to anatomist, Hermann Schaffhausen, did anyone realize what had been discovered. This is seen as the beginning of paleoanthropology. Since then, over 400 Neanderthals have been uncovered.

Though nothing is really known of Neanderthal's skin color, hair or features such as; the eyes and ears, many other things are known about their appearance. Neanderthals looked very much like modern day humans, with a few differences that stand out. Though they were about the same height as humans today; they were much broader and (scientists believe) much stronger. It is believed that their "robust stature" helped them adapt to the cold climate which resided in Europe during their time (known as the Pleistocene epoch). As said before, no one really knows much about Neanderthal's hair. However, there are some scientists who believe they were red headed.

Neanderthals had large fingers that were round in shape. Their rib cage was "barrel-shaped" and they also had larger kneecaps. Some other differences include their long collar bones, their think thigh bones which were "bow-legged", and also the fact that they had shorter shin and calf bones. A Neanderthals facial features included; a prominent brow ridge and a larger, broader nose.

Scientists believe that Neanderthal's nose was larger to cool them off. Because of the harsh cold conditions they lived in, a Neanderthal was bundled in heavy animal furs. If their clothing made them too warm they would sweat. Neanderthal's could not afford to sweat because it would freeze and lower their body temperature.

Because fossils are found with a number of fractures, most of which appeared to have healed with little or no infection. This showed that Neanderthal's cared for their wounded. It is also believed that, due to the severity of some fractures, Neanderthals were able to endure higher thresholds of pain than modern day humans. Due to survival reasons, they may have been forced to adapt to ignoring large amounts of pain.

Though no concrete evidence has been found, certain things suggest that Neanderthal's may have been the first hominid with the ability to speak. Scientists have made reconstructions of a Neanderthal's vocal tract, based on the bones in their throat. This reconstruction showed that there was in fact, a possibility that Neanderthal's spoke to one another.

Due to their larger cranial capacity, Neanderthal's were able to make tools that surpassed those made by their earlier ancestors, Homo erectus. Some believe Neanderthals used antlers and bones of animals to make tools, though very little evidence has been found to back this up. What scientists do know is that Neanderthals used more advanced "stone flakes", they used stone to also make "hand axes" and even spears. They may also have used wood, but these tools would not have survived for our scientists to study today.

Something else that makes Neanderthals more advanced than their ancestors is; the evidence found of graves. Most people believe that Neanderthals went to great lengths to care for their dead. However, contrary to popular belief, scientists do not believe they did this for religious reasons. In fact, the theory is that Neanderthals buried their dead with flowers to cover up the stench as the body decayed.

The last of the Neanderthals were believed to have died off about 24,000 years ago. No one really knows how the Neanderthals came to be extinct, but their developments and inventions helped to shape the next generation of hominids.