Neanderthal is a species of the early men who emerged at least 200,000 years ago during the Early Paleolithic era. The name Neanderthal derives from the Neandertal Valley in Germany, where in 1856, the skull of the early man was found.

Neanderthals were massive and heavily muscled. The average height of men was 160-163 centimeters. The large head was visibly elongated and flexed forward. Massive brow ridges were like a prominent arch upper the bridge of the nose. The Neanderthals had a large and flat nose, a small and sloping chin, and relatively short arms and legs. People of this species had fine manual skills. They were able to take small objects and use them in different ways. Strong shoulder muscles made it possible to strike with a spear during hunting. The chest was shaped like a barrel, could endure heavy attacks, and helped to breathe deeply.

Scientists researched the skeletons of Neanderthal children and found that they anatomically were almost similar to adults. They probably reached sexual maturity at 8-10 years old. The average lifetime of the early men was about 22 years. Only one of all Neanderthals found in different parts of the planet died at the age of 50-60 years.

People of this species lived nomadically and stayed in one place no longer than several weeks. They built shelters for the cold and bad weather from animal hides, branches, stones, and other materials on hand. They often lived in caves and fought for them with wild animals: cave lions, bears, hyenas.

Neanderthals had a meat diet. They hunted mammoths, primitive bison, woolly rhinoceros. Neanderthals ate raw or baked on fire meat. It seems that the early people did not know how to house it for a long time.

Short spears with stone or bone tips were the weapon for Neanderthals. Sometimes instead of spears, they use sharpened strong sticks with fired ends. People of this species did not own a bow and arrow. Often they hunted in large groups to ride down the prey.