Neanderthals and modern humans may have copied each other’s tools

Research suggests species coexisted for more than 1,000 years and uncovers possible exchange of ideas'

Modern humans lived alongside Neanderthals for more than 1,000 years in Europe, according to research that suggests the two species may have imitated each other's jewellery and stone tools.

Previously, it was known that humans and their ancient relatives existed at the same time on the European continent for more than 6,000 years and that the two species interbred on several occasions. But the extent of their interactions remains the focus of scientific investigation.