Does anyone else know anything about this point-of-view?
2007-04-25 12:46:39 · 7 answers · asked by esha26 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
The archaeological record on Neanderthals is not nearly detailed enough to tell us something as specific as this about the behavior of an extinct species, but this question does have I basis and I can understand where you would have gotten this idea from.
There are several circumstances in which we see what appear to be acts of compassion among Neanderthals. One of these deals with the fact that the Neanderthals buried their dead. This might reasonably suggest some sort of spirituality, but it is also quite possible that it was just a way of disposing of the dead.
One particular grave located in Shanidar has increased speculation over spirituality because of the presence of flower pollen in the grave that might suggest more complex burial rituals...but it is also possible that the pollen was introduced by burrowing rodents.
The second sign of compassion is seen in the several examples of Neanderthals with disabilities. One specimen has a withered arm that would have left the bearer severely incapacitated since birth, and yet this Neanderthal survived through adulthood. This must indicated that someone must have taken care of this individual and shown true compassion.
Now these circumstances are not a clear-cut indicator of the Neanderthals' saintly dispositions and by no means solidify the facts on the matter, but they do give us another possibility when considering what Neanderthals may have been like.
2007-04-25 14:16:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one can know. Social interaction is not preserved along with the bones. There is some evidence of funeral rituals and care for the injured and old, which suggests a degree of social structure.
2007-04-25 13:48:36 · answer #2 · answered by iansand 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd like to see the science fiction book he read, myself.
There might be some hidden truth in it.
2007-04-25 12:55:29 · answer #3 · answered by d4d9er 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That may be true but they are also capable of getting car insurance from geico
2007-04-25 12:52:32 · answer #4 · answered by Cpt. Amazing 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The stuff your professors are teaching in college nowadays....
History must be so simple a caveman can do it.
2007-04-25 13:17:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would really like to see the explanation on that one.
2007-04-25 12:51:27 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but it's probably true.
2007-04-25 12:51:30 · answer #7 · answered by Evevumeimei 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋