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Neanderthals existed on Earth prior to the rise of humans.
Biology
Physically very like humans, they had jutting brow ridges, large noses and stooped postures. However, while stereotyped as brutish by later humans, Nimrod showed intelligence and spoke articulately. (DW: Ghost Light)
Culture
The tribe which Nimrod originally belonged to herded mammoths during the summer for food. They considered the fang of the cave bear to be a sign of wisdom. The tribal elders "spoke with the voice of the Burning One", namely Light. The actions of the Doctor implied that at some time in the past, the Doctor had encountered the Neanderthal species some time before. (DW: Ghost Light)
- Nimrod referred to Light as "The Burning One", implying that his tribe worshipped him. Alternatively, they may have originally worshipped another deity (or the Sun) as the Burning One and when Light appeared, transferred their worship to him.
According to the the Fourth Doctor, the Neanderthals could knock up a good Mammoth casserole. (MA: The Romance of Crime)
History
Neanderthals evolved in Eurasia around the same time as humans did in Africa, from the same ancestor species. The Neanderthals were mostly wiped out by the Humans, with the help of the Dæmons, who for unknown reasons favored Humanity. (DW: The Dæmons) They were believed to be wiped out around 26,000 BC. (NSA: Only Human)
The Eleventh Doctor arrived with Amy Pond in Birmingham during the Ice Age just in time to save a Neanderthal man from a sabre-toothed tiger. (DWA: Snow Globe)
Some Neanderthal societies, such as Enkidu's, survived well past the paleolithic Ice Ages. (NA: Timewyrm: Genesys)
Nimrod survived to 1883 by unspecified means. (DW: Ghost Light)
A Neanderthal was accidentally brought to 2005 from his own time. (NSA: Only Human)
