Wondering about Neanderthals

Have you ever been called a Neanderthal?  It is supposed to be a derogatory remark.  But weren't they the ones that taught modern man how to use tools?  Yes, but they are never thought of as teachers.  What are your opinions of neanderthals?

I was reading about the fossils that were unearthed near Dmanisi, Georgia.  No, not the state of Georgia, but the Country of Georgia.  Here is a picture of one of the skulls they found:

He is staring right at you!!  So, you may wonder what he would look like if he were alive.  Well, it just so happens that I found an illustration that an artist did, showing how they may have appeared.

When we hear the term "Neanderthal", we think of a dim witted brute that is bent over, dragging their knuckles on the ground.  But that isn't the case.  They walked straight up, just like we do.  So, why do we have that impression of them?  Well, it just so happens that one of the first discovered remains that were reconstructed was bent over with a severe case arthritis. I bet you didn't know that, I didn't.

They were good artists but were not good talkers, since their vocal chords were incapable of making a lot of the vowel sounds.  But they did paint the walls of their caves and themselves.  Now, you know if someone calls you a Neanderthal, you can stand up straight and have a great day?