Neanderthals lived in a variety of environments—open plains, dense forests, and icy tundra. They often occupied caves and rock shelters, using natural formations for protection from wind and predators. Excavations show that they organized their living spaces strategically: hearths for cooking and warmth were placed at central points, while tool-making zones and sleeping areas were positioned around them. These patterns suggest planning and shared social routines.
Neanderthals were highly skilled hunters. Their robust bodies and powerful muscles indicate a lifestyle that required significant physical strength. They hunted large Ice Age animals like woolly rhinoceroses, reindeer, and wild horses, sometimes driving them into natural traps or ambush locations. Stable isotope analysis of their bones shows a diet rich in meat, rivaling that of top predators. However, they weren’t strictly carnivorous—plant remains, seeds, nuts, and cooked starches have been found on their tools and teeth.
