Neanderthals were an extinct group of archaic humans who inhabited Europe and Western and Central Asia during the Middle to Late Pleistocene. They are usually classified as Homo neanderthalensis, although some classifications treat them as Homo sapiens neanderthalensis.

Neanderthals had distinctive anatomy, including a long, relatively flat skull, prominent brow ridges and a generally short, stocky body. Earlier portrayals often depicted them as primitive or apelike, but those interpretations were revised as additional fossil, archaeological and genetic evidence became available.

Genetic studies show that Neanderthals interbred with anatomically modern humans. Present-day populations outside Africa generally carry a small proportion of Neanderthal-derived DNA, with some Neanderthal ancestry also reaching African populations through later migrations.

Neanderthals disappeared around 40,000 years ago, although the exact timing varied geographically. Proposed explanations for their extinction include competition and interaction with modern humans, interbreeding, disease, climate change, natural disasters, low population size and inbreeding, with multiple factors likely contributing.

Archaeological evidence discussed in the news report, including injuries and survival after serious trauma, has been interpreted as consistent with both interpersonal violence and social care among Neanderthal groups.