Neanderthals primarily inhabited Europe and parts of Western and Central Asia. Their extinction occurred around 40,000 years ago, though scientists believe the Neanderthals of Gibraltar may have persisted for several thousand years longer.

The first recognized Neanderthal fossil was discovered in the 19th century in Germany. Initially, it was thought to belong to a lower class of human, but it was later identified as a related species of Homo sapiens.

In 2010, when Neanderthal DNA was more thoroughly analyzed, it was confirmed that they interbred with humans—and that many modern people still carry Neanderthal DNA.

While Neanderthals were not as intelligent as Homo sapiens, they were far smarter than the caveman stereotype often portrayed in popular culture. In fact, some Neanderthal brains were actually larger than those of modern humans, though they were structured quite differently.

Neanderthals lacked a prominent chin.

There is evidence that Neanderthals buried their dead, although it may have been an uncommon practice. It remains unclear whether they believed in an afterlife or practiced any form of religion.

Neanderthal genes are beneficial to modern humans in some ways, particularly in terms of immunity and resistance to certain diseases.

However, some negative traits associated with Neanderthal DNA include a higher likelihood of developing depression and an increased risk of contracting diabetes.

Neanderthals were well adapted to cold climates and high altitudes.