A Day in the Life of a Neanderthal, 50,000 Years Ago

Listen to a podcast version of this post! Reconstructing the daily life of a Neanderthal is more than an exercise in imagination—it is an endeavor grounded in decades of archaeological research, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and microscopic analyses of artifacts and remains. From isotope studies that reveal dietary preferences to wear patterns on tools that show howContinue reading “A Day in the Life of a Neanderthal, 50,000 Years Ago”

What Did Neanderthals Think About Before Bed?

Imagine a world that looks nothing like the one we know today. It’s a place where surviving the day isn’t a metaphor—it’s a real struggle. When the sun goes down, it gets truly dark, much darker than anything we’re used to. As night falls, your priorities change. You’re not thinking about homework, crushes, or weekendContinue reading “What Did Neanderthals Think About Before Bed?”

When did we become Human?

The exploration of what it means to be human reveals a complex evolution marked by gradual adaptations rather than a singular event. Key milestones include bipedalism that freed our hands, the development of tool making, and the mastery of fire, which enhanced cognitive growth. Symbolic thinking is evidenced through art and social structures, not only in Homo sapiens but also in Neanderthals. Our humanity is shaped through ongoing innovation and connections, continually influenced by discoveries that deepen our understanding of our shared past.