Ep 9. Neanderthal!
- September 24, 2007
Digging for the Truth is a documentary television series that follows host Josh Bernstein on his quest to uncover the mysteries of ancient civilizations. Season 4, episode 9 is titled Neanderthal!, and it delves into the world of our closest extinct relatives.
In this episode, Josh travels to Croatia to investigate the Neanderthal culture and way of life. The Neanderthals are an extinct species of human that lived throughout Europe and western Asia from about 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. They were robust, heavily muscled, and had a larger cranium than modern humans, but were ultimately outcompeted by modern humans for resources.
Josh meets with archaeologists who have found evidence of Neanderthal life in the caves and hills of Croatia. He learns about their hunting techniques, tool making, and even their use of medicinal plants. He also gets to examine the bones of several Neanderthals and learns how they were able to adapt to their harsh environment.
Throughout the episode, Josh explores the cultural and genetic differences between Neanderthals and modern humans. He learns about the latest scientific research that suggests that modern humans have some Neanderthal DNA. He also examines the theories behind their extinction, including climate change and competition from modern humans.
One of the highlights of the episode is when Josh gets to experience what it was like to live like a Neanderthal. He makes his own tools and weapons from animal bones and flint, and he hunts with a spear. He even cooks and eats a meal of wild boar and mushrooms over an open fire.
The episode also explores the Neanderthal's place in popular culture, including their depiction in movies and television shows. Josh talks to experts who explain how they have been portrayed over the years, from brutish cavemen to refined and intelligent creatures.
Overall, Digging for the Truth season 4 episode 9, Neanderthal!, is a fascinating exploration of one of our closest extinct relatives. Josh Bernstein's enthusiasm and passion for archaeology is infectious, and viewers are sure to come away with a newfound appreciation for the Neanderthal culture and way of life.
