Humans as the Main Culprit
A new book, titled “The Naked Neanderthal,” suggests that humans were the driving force behind the extinction of Neanderthals. According to author Ludovic Slimak, humans’ superior weapons and regimented approach outmatched Neanderthals.
Encounter in Southern France
Slimak’s research in a cave in Southern France revealed evidence of an overlap between humans and Neanderthals around 54,000 years ago. While direct conflict remains uncertain, Slimak argues that humans ultimately replaced Neanderthals in the region.
Weapons and Creativity
Despite Neanderthals’ creativity in tool-making, humans’ standardized weapons led to their dominance, as per Slimak’s theory. The book emphasizes that humans’ efficient weapons played a crucial role in the extinction of Neanderthals.
Complex Interactions
Archaeologists like April Nowell point out that the interactions between humans and Neanderthals were likely more intricate than a simple conquest. Factors such as declining Neanderthal populations and environmental changes also contributed to their extinction.
A Radical Population Replacement
Slimak’s bold claim stresses that the emergence of Homo sapiens led to the disappearance of Neanderthals from the archaeological record, marking a clear and radical shift in the population dynamics between the two species.
