Channel Title: Highly Compelling Channel Description: Welcome to Highly Compelling on YouTube were we delve into a diverse array of topics, offering in-depth analyses and thought-provoking content of early human history, including explorations into Neanderthal and Denisovan history, genetics, and their interactions with early modern humans. We also explore the evolution of other hominins such as Homo erectus, Homo heidelbergensis and other species, and explore multiple geographic regions from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. I only use sources from scientific publications and peer-reviewed studies, which are listed in the video description and/or shown on-screen in the video. I have been studying Neanderthals for over 40 years, and have B.Sc. in Environmental Science plus Graduate-level courses. However, it is important to note that Paleo-anthropologists often disagree, and on this channel I will offer different perspectives, including those from outside of the Western academic world. Thanks for Watching! <video> Anthropologists Uncover Neanderthal RELIGION and TRADITION Description: Neanderthals, our large-brained evolutionary relatives, are frequently viewed through the lens of their physical and cultural abilities, which were once regarded as primitive in comparison to Homo sapiens. However, new archaeological evidence suggests that Neanderthals were far more complex than previously thought, possibly engaging in activities like symbolism and spiritual ceremonies. The findings suggest that Neanderthals were capable of symbolic thought and complex social behaviors, including rituals and religious practices. This theory is based on discoveries of objects such as large animal skulls in caves, cave art, and evidence of burial practices. These findings suggest that Neanderthals may have used cultural expressions related to symbolic thought, spirituality, superstition, and possibly even rituals. This video delves into the archaeological evidence supporting the notion that Neanderthals participated in symbolic activities and ceremonies. We will look at the evidence, how it has been interpreted, and what it tells us about Neanderthal cognition and culture. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60K1nSBG5S7-xIF9m0bysA/join </video> <video> Genetic Experts Reveal Shocking Neanderthal Secrets! Description: Discover the shocking Neanderthal secrets revealed by genetic experts! Learn more about our ancient ancestors in this eye-opening video. Mounting evidence suggests that Neanderthals frequently conceived with close relatives. As a matter of fact, when it came to relationships, some Neanderthals preferred to keep things within the family. Indeed, the Neanderthal woman had parents who were half-siblings, double first cousins, or an uncle-niece couple. Several studies have now reported this, citing genetic patterns and bone abnormalities thought to be caused by intra-family flings. This situation might have been normal or abnormal but, intriguingly, though not coming from such close parents, another fossil from a teenage Neanderthal-Denisova hybrid from the same region was also spawned by a similarly small population. CHAPTERS: 0:00 NEANDERTHAL FAMILY RELATIONS 5:00 DNA OF EL SIDRON AND THORIN 10:00 NEANDERTHAL POPULATION SIZE AND BLOOD TYPES SOURCES: The complete genome sequence of a Neanderthal from the Altai Mountains https://www.nature.com/articles/nature12886 Blood groups of Neandertals and Denisova decrypted https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0254175 DNA of 'Thorin https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/dna-of-thorin-one-of-the-last-neanderthals-finally-sequenced-revealing-inbreeding-and-50-000-years-of-genetic-isolation Skeletal Anomalies in The Neandertal Family of El Sidrón https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-38571-1 Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60K1nSBG5S7-xIF9m0bysA/join </video> <video> THE SEVEN BROTHERS - A NEANDERTHAL MYTH Description: The Pleiades star cluster contains six stars that are easily visible with the naked eye, but ancient cultures around the world describe seven stars. This matches astronomical evidence that one of the stars, Pleione, was once brighter but has since dimmed, making it harder to see without telescopes. If Neanderthals had oral traditions, they might have already observed this fading star and passed down the story of its disappearance through myths and legends. If Neanderthals were watching the sky 100,000 years ago, they may have seen the Pleiades as a clear cluster of seven distinct stars, and the story of a missing star may have been passed down orally for thousands of years. Among the Neanderthals living in the cold forests of Eurasia, stargazers passed down the tale of the Seventh Brother, who once burned brightly but disappeared from sight. In the ancient lands where glaciers met the tundra, the "People of the Night Sky" told a story of the Seven Brothers who danced in the heavens. Yet, one of them had vanished, lost to the darkness of the cosmos. The Seven Brothers, known as the "Sons of the Sky Mother," were placed in the heavens to guide The People. They were the guardians of fire, water, the hunt, and the changing seasons. Each had a duty: The Eldest guarded the secret of fire. The Second guided the winter migrations. The Third controlled the paths of the great rivers. The Fourth graced hunters with skill. The Fifth whispered to the plants and animals. The Sixth taught humans language. The Seventh was once the brightest but now was lost. One night, a great storm arose, darker than any seen before. The Sky Mother called out for her sons to take shelter, but the Seventh Brother was drawn away by a mysterious presence. A shadow from the depths of the night sky had whispered secrets to him—secrets of a world beyond the stars. The People below watched as he followed this shadow into the unknown. When the storm passed, the Seventh Brother was gone, his light swallowed by the abyss. The elders said that he had left to explore a new world, perhaps joining other beings who lived beyond the edges of the sky. Others believed he had fallen to Earth and walked among the People, his star now hidden in human form. For the Neanderthals, the disappearance of the Seventh Brother was an omen. Some said it meant hard times were coming—ice would creep across the land, and the great beasts would migrate away. Others believed he still watched over them but from a new place, waiting for his time to shine again. The Missing Brother of the Pleiades is a tale of loss, mystery, and the search for knowledge. Whether he vanished into the cosmos or walked among Neanderthals, his story would have been whispered around fire-lit gatherings, passed down from one generation to the next, shaping the dreams of those who gazed at the night sky in wonder. Would he ever return? The People could only watch the heavens and wait. </video> <video> Uncovering the Ancient Secrets of Denisovans Description: The fabulous Denisovan bracelet, unearthed from the Denisova Cave in Siberia, has become a landmark discovery in our understanding of prehistoric technology. This remarkable artifact, believed to be over 40,000 years old, challenges long-held assumptions about the technological capabilities of ancient human species, particularly the Denisovans. This intricately crafted piece not only raises questions about the technological skills of non-Homo sapiens but also suggests that prehistoric humans were far more advanced than previously assumed. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60K1nSBG5S7-xIF9m0bysA/join </video> <video> Neanderthal POPULATION Secrets Revealed Description: Neanderthal POPULATION Secrets Revealed Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60K1nSBG5S7-xIF9m0bysA/join </video> <video> Historic New Archaeological Find in China Could Rewrite Human Evolution Description: Paleo-anthropologist Xiujie Wu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and anthropologist Christopher Bae, in a new paper, have proposed a provocative new theory: Some human fossils from Asia may be Neanderthals. We already know that Neanderthals migrated all the way to the Altai Mountains, a mountain range in Central and East Asia, where Russia, China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan converge. But just how large was their geographic range? The Maba cranium and the Narmada cranium are two critical fossils from the Middle Pleistocene that have provoked considerable debate regarding their classification. While traditionally they have been categorized simply as archaic hominins, their anatomical features and temporal context suggest potential evolutionary links to Neanderthals. This video explores the evidence for and against their classification as Neanderthals, examining their anatomical traits, environmental adaptations, and the broader implications for understanding human evolution during this period. SOURCES: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53918-7 https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/new-big-headed-archaic-humans-discovered-who-is-homo-juluensis Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60K1nSBG5S7-xIF9m0bysA/join </video> <video> New Discoveries Completely Transform Our Understanding of Human Evolution Description: The Omo 2 skull, discovered in Ethiopia, and the Solo skulls from Java represent significant findings in the study of human evolution. Omo 2, questionably dated to 233,000 years ago, exhibits a mix of archaic and modern human features, but the exact age is still being debated.   Originally suggested to be closer to Homo erectus, this skull now is considered an archaic Homo sapiens. Half a world away, the Solo skulls from Java, Indonesia, conventionally classified as Homo erectus soloensis, are believed to be between 117,000 to 108,000 years old.    However, this classification was used simply due to a lack of other appropriate species, and so the skulls were lumped into Homo erectus as were every fossil in Asia that was not a Homo sapiens, at the time they were discovered. Comparative analyses reveal notable similarities between Omo 2 and the Solo skulls. Both display pronounced brow ridges and a low cranial vault, characteristics typical of Homo erectus. Additionally, the occipital region of Omo 2 is angled, a feature observed in the Solo specimens. These shared traits suggest that Omo 2 retains several archaic features reminiscent of Homo erectus. SOURCES: Early Homo sapiens Remains from the Omo River Region of South-west Ethiopia: Omo Human Skeletal Remains https://www.nature.com/articles/2221135a0 Solo man in question: Convergent views to split Indonesian Homo erectus in two categories https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1040618210000388 </video> <video> Scientists Analyzed Denisovan DNA and Rewrote Human Evolution Again Description: One of the greatest mysteries of human paleontology in 2025 is: Why haven't we discovered more Denisovan fossils in Asia? Do we need to re-examine the existing fossil record to consider alternative possibilities? Southeast Asia has one of the world's most extensive fossil records documenting human evolution. Some of these fossils date back at least 1.5 million years, so this is not an evolutionary backwater. These tropical islands were once home to a variety of ancient humans, as evidenced by fossil discoveries. A ground-breaking study, titled "Multiple Deeply Divergent Denisovan Ancestries in Papuans" revealed three distinct Denisovan genetic lineages (which they labelled D0, D1, and D2) in modern Papuan genomes, each with different divergence times. These lineages provide clues about the sequence of Denisovan migrations and interactions with other human populations. This study suggests a complex Denisovan migration history, with multiple waves of dispersal and interaction over hundreds of thousands of years. The overlapping presence of D0, D1, and D2 lineages in Papuan genomes highlights long-term coexistence and admixture between Denisovans and early modern humans in Southeast Asia and Papua and Australia. CHAPTERS: 0:00 WHO WERE THE DENISOVANS? 5:00 DENISOVANS IN ASIA AND PAPUAN ISLANDS 10:00 THE ORIGINS OF DENISOVANS SOURCES: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867419302181 Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60K1nSBG5S7-xIF9m0bysA/join </video> <video> The GENETIC MUTATIONS That Separate Humans From Animals Description: When did hominins stop being "mere animals chasing other animals", and start on the path to becoming human? The question has fascinated anthropologists and biologists for decades. At the heart of our human distinction lies our unparalleled ability for complex language and intelligence. This gift of intelligence did not emerge in an instant. It was shaped by millions of years of evolution, with key genetic developments playing a pivotal role: the fusion of Chromosome 2 and specific amino acid mutations in the FOX-P2 and TY-K1 genes. In the grand theater of evolution, two unassuming amino acids—arginine and lysine—played quiet yet vital roles in shaping the destinies of both Neanderthals and modern humans. These two building blocks of life weren’t just nutritional essentials; they were molecular players in a saga of survival, brainpower, and the pursuit of dominance in a harsh and competitive world. CHAPTERS: 0:00 THE TYTL1 GENE IN MODERN HUMANS 5:45 CHROMOSOME 2 FUSION 9:45 FOXP2 GENE IN MODERN HUMANS SOURCES: Human TKTL1 implies greater neurogenesis in frontal neocortex of modern humans than Neanderthals https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36074851/ Revised time estimation of the ancestral human chromosome 2 fusion https://bmcgenomics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12864-022-08828-7 No Evidence for Recent Selection at FOXP2 among Diverse Human Populations https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(18)30851-1 Genomic inference of a severe human bottleneck during the Early to Middle Pleistocene transition https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abq7487 Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60K1nSBG5S7-xIF9m0bysA/join </video> <video> The Dark Secret of Neanderthal and Human Hybrid Offspring Description: Imagine a world where two species of humans, each with their unique evolutionary strengths, came together. Neanderthals, physically gifted specimens, were the apex of raw strength and resilience, perfectly adapted to the harsh climates of Ice Age Europe. Their robust frames, immense musculature, and extraordinary endurance made them formidable hunters and survivors. On the other hand, Homo sapiens, less physically imposing, relied on their cerebral and tactical minds to navigate the challenges of survival. They thrived through innovation, collaboration, and adaptability, wielding their intelligence like a finely honed tool. Now, imagine the union of these two human species through interbreeding—a hybrid child born with the best of both worlds. Theoretically, a hybrid between a Neanderthal and a Homo sapiens would be a remarkable blend of traits. Physically, such a child could inherit the Neanderthal’s powerful build: a sturdy frame, thick bones, and the strength to endure the rigors of a world teeming with danger. With this physical prowess, they would excel in tasks demanding brute strength, such as hunting large game or surviving extreme cold. SOURCES: Reconstructing contact and a potential interbreeding geographical zone between Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-70206-y https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/neanderthals-and-modern-humans-interbred-at-the-crossroads-of-human-migrations-in-iran-study-finds https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/simply-did-not-work-mating-between-neanderthals-and-modern-humans-may-have-been-a-product-of-failed-alliances-says-archaeologist-ludovic-slimak https://www.livescience.com/health/genetics/the-mystery-of-the-disappearing-neanderthal-y-chromosome Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60K1nSBG5S7-xIF9m0bysA/join </video> <video> Africa's Hidden Past EXPOSED By New Archaeological Discovery Description: The coexistence of Homo erectus and Paranthropus in East Africa around 1.5 million years ago provides a compelling backdrop for exploring the dynamics of interspecies interactions. Fossil evidence, including overlapping footprints and cut-marked bones, suggests a narrative of competition, predation, and territorial conflict. An new hypothesis posits that a group of Homo erectus hunters stalked a lone Paranthropus individual in a territorial dispute. SOURCES: 1.5 million-year-old footprints reveal our Homo erectus ancestors lived with a 2nd proto-human species https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-03907-z https://www.sci.news/othersciences/anthropology/homo-erectus-paranthropus-boisei-footprints-kenya-13464.html Homo erectus footprints hint at ancient hunting party https://www.nature.com/articles/nature.2015.17346 Early Pleistocene cut marked hominin fossil from Koobi Fora, Kenya https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-35702-7 Cut marks on a 1.45 million year old leg bone are potential evidence for hominins butchering and eating each other https://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/fossils/knm-er-1813 https://humanorigins.si.edu/research/whats-hot-human-origins/ancient-hominin-cannibalism Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60K1nSBG5S7-xIF9m0bysA/join </video> <video> The BOLD Truth About Neanderthals Nobody Tells You Description: For decades, We’ve all been lied to about Neanderthals. The truth is that there is no scientific consensus about the biological classification of Neanderthals, and the debate has been raging for over 50 years. In fact, the idea that Neanderthals are separate species from modern humans is a dangerous and outdated concept. CHAPTERS: 0:00 HOMO SAPIENS NEANDERTALENSIS 5:00 NEANDERTHALS AS A SEPARATE SPECIES 10:00 THE POLITICS OF PALEO-ANTHROPOLOGY SOURCES: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/are-neanderthals-same-species-as-us.html https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/are-neanderthals-and-homo-sapiens-the-same-species https://www.columbia.edu/~rlh2/1985PoorBrain.pdf Classification and Human Evolution https://archive.org/details/classificationhu0000wash/page/356/mode/2up Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60K1nSBG5S7-xIF9m0bysA/join </video> <video> DENISOVAN Discovery in Europe Will Change History Forever Description: While Neanderthals were renowned for their freakish strength, the Siberian Denisovans might have been physically even more formidable. Denisovans and Neanderthals interacted and interbred in regions where their ranges overlapped, including Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Genetic research shows that Neanderthals in Europe and Denisovans in Asia shared a common ancestor and interacted genetically. This shared Denisovan-Neanderthal ancestry may explain why Denisovan genes appear in populations far beyond their known range, including in Europe. The mystery of Denisovan fossils in Europe stems from the fact that, while genetic evidence indicates Denisovans influenced the ancestry of modern humans in Europe, no direct Denisovan fossils have been found in the region. This paradox raises intriguing questions about the Denisovans’ range and interactions with other hominins, such as Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. One of the intriguing theories arising from fossil analysis in Eastern Europe and Siberia is that some Eastern Neanderthals could, in fact, be Denisovans or Denisovan hybrids. SOURCES: https://www.livescience.com/21682-neanderthals-arm-strength.html Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60K1nSBG5S7-xIF9m0bysA/join </video> <video> NEANDERTHALS Lived Among Us Until 25,000 Years Ago? Description: NEANDERTHALS Lived Among Us Until 25,000 Years Ago? Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60K1nSBG5S7-xIF9m0bysA/join </video> <video> MIND-BLOWING Human Evolution Controversy Revealed in 15 Minutes Description: The classification of extinct hominin species is an ongoing debate for paleoanthropologists, especially when it comes to enigmatic species like Homo floresiensis and Homo naledi. These diminutive and distinct hominins have puzzled scientists for decades, raising critical questions about their place in the Human genus. With small brains, unusual morphologies, and uncertain connections to Homo sapiens, some experts argue that they do not belong in the genus at all. Instead, they might warrant placement in a new genus that better reflects their unique evolutionary trajectories. SOURCES: https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/homo-floresiensis-making-sense-of-the-small-91387735/ https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/homo-naledi-your-most-recently-discovered-human-relative.html https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/when-did-homo-sapiens-first-appear https://www.sci.news/othersciences/anthropology/homo-naledi-brain-06010.html LEE BERGER ON JEBEL IRHOUD https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jun/07/oldest-homo-sapiens-bones-ever-found-shake-foundations-of-the-human-story JOHN HAWKS ON JEBEL IRHOUD https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/morocco-early-human-fossils-anthropology-science https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/6/7/15745714/nature-homo-sapien-remains-jebel-irhoud Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60K1nSBG5S7-xIF9m0bysA/join </video>

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Welcome to Highly Compelling on YouTube were we delve into a diverse array of topics, offering in-depth analyses and thought-provoking content of early human history, including explorations into Neanderthal and Denisovan history, genetics, and their interactions with early modern humans. We also explore the evolution of other hominins such as Homo erectus, Homo heidelbergensis and other species, and explore multiple geographic regions from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific.

I only use sources from scientific publications and peer-reviewed studies, which are listed in the video description and/or shown on-screen in the video. I have been studying Neanderthals for over 40 years, and have B.Sc. in Environmental Science plus Graduate-level courses. However, it is important to note that Paleo-anthropologists often disagree, and on this channel I will offer different perspectives, including those from outside of the Western academic world.

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