Neanderthal fossil

In 2001, a fossil from a Neanderthal hominid was found for the first time on Dutch soil, among the waste from a shell dredger. The skull had a heavy brow ridge, and research confirmed that this must be a Neanderthal fossil, probably from a young man. The Neanderthals originated in Europe, around 350,000 BC. In spite of differences in parameters such as height and build, they are closely related to human beings. The Neanderthals died out some 30,000 years ago, probably as a result of the rapid climate changes of the last ice age and a limited capacity for adaptation.