Reconsidering Neanderthals: A Closer Look at Our Shared History

A group of archaeologists from Portugal, Italy, and Spain argue that Neanderthals were not a separate species from modern humans but rather another variety of humans. Their conclusion is based on an analysis of the fire-managing capabilities of Neanderthals who lived in Portugal over 70,000 years ago. The researchers found that these Neanderthals were skilled at using fire for cooking, heating, and light, similar to how modern humans would later use fire. The evidence suggests that Neanderthals and modern humans shared a common culture and lived side by side in Europe for thousands of years, even interbreeding.