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The Last Days of the Neanderthals: When and Why Our Ancient Cousins Disappeared

By: James Osborne
Originally Published in  HistoryExtra

Neanderthals once thrived across Europe and Asia, but vanished around 40,000 years ago. New research suggests climate shifts, competition, and even interbreeding may have played key roles.

The article "The Last Days of the Neanderthals: When and Why Our Ancient Cousins Disappeared" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores how and why Neanderthals vanished from the Earth. Archaeological evidence and genetic studies point to multiple factors, including climate change, competition with Homo sapiens, and interbreeding. Despite their extinction, Neanderthal DNA still lives on in modern humans.
Student Article Info

BBC's HistoryExtra is devoted to both British and world history and aimed at readers of all levels of knowledge and interest. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
6-89-12
Subject:
Social Studies
Topic:
History
Keywords
NeanderthalsextinctionHomo sapiensclimate changeinterbreedingprehistoric humansDNA
Illustration of Neanderthals
© Getty

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Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 700-900L
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Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 900–1100L
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