Ever wondered what Neanderthals, who lived approximately 250,000 to 40,000 years ago, ate to survive? Recent archaeological discoveries are shedding light on the diverse diet of these early humans. From hunting large game to foraging for plants, Neanderthals had a unique approach to nutrition. Let’s dive into the fascinating findings and explore what fueled the lives of our ancient ancestors! 👇
Contrary to what we might think, alongside mammoth and other animal meats, they also had diverse tastes.
Just like modern humans, what Neanderthals ate daily varied based on environmental conditions and geographical locations. In other words, they had to adapt their diet to the ecosystem.
They hunted animals like mammoths, deer, and wild horses, as well as lions and bears. In a 2017 study, dental plaque accumulated on a Neanderthal's teeth was examined, and it was concluded that their diet was largely 'meat-based,' consisting mainly of woolly rhinoceroses and wild sheep.
The diet of these individuals contained almost no meat; instead, they had adopted a plant-based diet.
Archaeological remains in Portugal show that many seafood items from the coast were used as food. In addition to this, it has been suggested that Neanderthals practiced cannibalism. Fossilized bones of Neanderthals found in caves in Europe revealed that their flesh was stripped after death. In both cases, Neanderthals typically consumed animal meat along with seafood, mushrooms, nuts, and occasionally the flesh of their own kind.