Impression of articles
The article describes an exciting discovery that changes the way we think about Neanderthals.
Researchers found evidence that Neanderthals not only hunted cave lions but also used their pelts,
showing that they had more advanced skills than we previously believed. The study found a bone
from a cave lion with marks that suggest Neanderthals removed the skin, and another cave lion
skeleton showed signs of being killed with a spear. This suggests that Neanderthals hunted
dangerous predators like cave lions, processed the meat, and possibly even used the lions’ pelts
for symbolic or practical reasons. This challenges the idea that Neanderthals were less
sophisticated than Homo sapiens and shows they were capable of complex behaviors like hunting
large predators and using animal remains.
The implications of this study go even further, suggesting that cave lions may have had symbolic
importance for Neanderthals, like their role in early human art. This opens new questions about
Neanderthal social life and cognitive abilities. The study ties into other findings, such as the
engraved bone from Einhornhöhle, that hint at Neanderthals' ability to think symbolically. It
supports the idea that Neanderthals were more than just primitive ancestors they may have shared
many behaviors with early humans.
I am fascinated with the article, it challenges the view that Neanderthals were less sophisticated
than modern humans, showing they were more advanced than previously believed. Evidence that
they hunted and processed cave lions suggests complex hunting techniques and possible symbolic
or cultural use of animals.