Reconstructed model of a Neanderthal man, Homo neanderthalensis. Compared to modern humans, neanderthals were more heavily- muscled, with long bodies and shorter legs. They had longer skulls that were thick-boned and featured a thick brow. The skull housed a brain which was as large or larger than modern humans. Neanderthals lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, and remains of their bodies and stone tools have been found in Europe and Asia. Neanderthals used tools to make weapons, skin animals, make carvings and construct huts. They lived from about 120,000 years ago to 30,000 years ago, a period which included the Ice Ages.