There is a new study out there that seems to disprove all our preconceptions about Neanderthals. It seems that the picture we painted of them as uncaring, brutal folk is far from the truth.
Neanderthals – the reality
A group of archaeologists at the University of York in England were the ones responsible for this find. They came to this conclusion after they analyzed the remains of some fossils of the species and saw that there were obvious attempts at healing and providing healthcare for the injured.
Doctor Penny Spikins, the lead author of this interesting study, said that Neanderthals did not think of how they were going to be repaid for their efforts of helping others, they just helped them because they felt bad seeing them in pain.
She and the team of archaeologists looked at the injuries they found on Neanderthal fossils. The injuries ranged from spine to shoulder problems. This would have meant that the member faced with this condition would not be able to participate in group activities. However, this information seems to be contradicted since the individual seems to have extended their short lifespans.
The test subject
The team of archaeologists found the fossil of a Neanderthal man in Iraq, named Shanidar 1, who suffered injuries that would have made him die early. However, the fossil showed signs of healing which would entail that the other members of the group helped him get better.
Is this relevant for or evolution?
This study shows that this type of behavior would have been passed over in time as the species evolved. Therefore, being compassionate is not something that is unique to humans today, we have learned this trait over a long period of time and it looks like it may have started with the Neanderthals. Overall, this study is a very interesting read for archaeologists all over the world.
