The concept of two distinct human species—Homo sapiens and Neanderthals—coexisting in Western Eurasia around 50,000 to 40,000 years ago has captivated researchers and the public for generations. This intriguing period, known as the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition, has spurred significant study by archaeologists, anthropologists, and geneticists. Theories range from prolonged coexistence spanning tens of thousands of years to rapid replacement scenarios, where Neanderthals were displaced or outcompeted by modern humans.
Recent discoveries from a cave in present-day Germany suggest that Neanderthals and modern humans shared European landscapes for at least 10,000 years, further deepening our understanding of this shared history. Click through the gallery to learn more.