About 600 millennia ago, we shared a common ancestor with the Neanderthals. The evolution of Neanderthals took place on the territory of Europe, while we came to Eurasia from Africa. Neanderthals died out about 40 thousand years ago, and we continue to live, develop and study the history of our ancient kin. The question of what language and thinking were like among Neanderthals stands out.
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There are basic differences in the brain structure of Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. One is that the latter did not appear to be able to generate complex ideas using metaphors.
Recent research has broadened the view of Neanderthal technical skills by pointing to the likelihood of their use of symbols and jewellery. Some of the claims about Neanderthal cave paintings remain controversial, and in general, Neanderthal artistic ability is debated.
