Neanderthals were compassionate, cared for the injured

London: Neanderthal may have an unwarranted image as brutish and uncaring, say scientists who claim that the archaic humans were compassionate beings who could provide knowledgeable response to injury and illness. The study by the University of York in the UK, shows that Neanderthal health care was uncalculated and highly effective - challenging our notions that they were brutish compared to modern humans. The care provided was widespread and should be seen as a “compassionate and knowledgeable response to injury and illness,” researchers said.

It is well known that Neanderthals sometimes provided care for the injured. However, the study suggests that they were genuinely caring of their peers, regardless of the level of illness or injury, rather than helping others out of self- interest. “Our findings suggest Neanderthals didn’t think in terms of whether others might repay their efforts, they just responded to their feelings about seeing their loved ones suffering,” said Penny Spikins, senior lecturer at York University.

Most individual archaeologists know about had a severe injury of some kind, with detailed pathologies highlighting a range of debilitating conditions and injuries.

In some cases the injuries occurred long before death and would have required monitoring, massage, fever management and hygiene care, researchers said.

Analysis of a male aged around 25- 40 at time of d e a t h revealed a catalogue of poor h e a t h , incl u d - ing a de g e n - erative d i s - ease

◗ Study suggests that Neanderthals genuinely cared for peers, regardless of the level of illness or injury, rather than helping others out of self- interest.

o f t h e s p i n e and shoulders.