Chapter 12 - Neanderthal habitat, culture, language, and intellect

Abstract

Genetic and fossil evidence of multiple lineages in the past 100ky show that Neanderthals, Denisovans, and Homo floresiensis are our direct ancestors who shared regions of the earth with several other Homo species. Evidence from archeological sites and DNA tell a story of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens in Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East who underwent relocation, introgression, migration, and important technological developments. Although many aspects of archaic early lifestyle remain a mystery, through archeological evidence and dating of artifacts, it is known that the development of technologies and culture during the Pleistocene were additive: they built on prior trials and knowledge and became increasingly complex over time. The types of behavior and cultural practices associated with Neanderthals have been the subject of an ongoing debate. One issue is the term “behavior,” which encompasses numerous, sometimes complex topics including but not limited to: art, language, spiritual beliefs, cognition, technology, food acquisition and consumption, introgression, genetics, reproduction, health and safety, and (in the case of Neanderthals) extinction. All of these topics include some aspect of behavior and are difficult to ascertain because all of the evidence for Neanderthal behavior lies in their skeletal remains, the artifacts they left behind, and their genomes. Some of these sources provide direct evidence for behaviors, whereas others provide indirect evidence, or are open to speculation.