I remember. Differences between the Neanderthal and modern human mind

Authors

  • Simona Petru University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Arts

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4312/dp.44.25

Keywords:

episodic memory, Neanderthals, modern humans, body ornamentation, Palaeolithic burials

Abstract

Modern humans remember things they experience as personal events. An important reason for this personal perception of time is episodic memory, which enables mental time travel. This type of memory could not have been fully evolved in Neanderthals and they might not have imagined their personal past and future. Thus, their archaeological record does not contain durable objects which would be preserved from one generation to another. Their burials also do not include convincing grave goods that indicate a belief that personal time continues after death.

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Author Biography

  • Simona Petru, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Arts
    assistant professor

Published

27. 12. 2017

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Petru, S. (2017). I remember. Differences between the Neanderthal and modern human mind. Documenta Praehistorica, 44, 402-415. https://doi.org/10.4312/dp.44.25