Their bodies were uniquely adapted to these harsh conditions: they were shorter and more robust than modern humans, with strong limbs, wide ribcages, and large noses that may have helped warm and humidify cold air. Genetic studies show that Neanderthals are the closest extinct relatives of modern humans, sharing nearly all of our DNA. This close relationship is underscored by the discovery that Homo sapiens and Neanderthals interbred multiple times. As a result, many people today—especially those with European or Asian ancestry—carry between 1–2% Neanderthal DNA.
These inherited genes influence traits such as immune system responses, skin sensitivity, and even how some individuals process pain or react to sunlight. Archaeological evidence paints a picture of Neanderthals as intelligent, resourceful beings. They created complex tools using the Levallois technique, a sophisticated method of shaping stone that required careful planning and skill. They hunted large animals like mammoths and bison, cooperated in groups, and likely maintained social structures that supported the sick and elderly. Some sites suggest they used pigments, made ornaments, or buried their dead intentionally—behaviors once thought unique to modern humans.
