Sir, we cannot allow a Flute Craft gap to develop.

I know this is astonishing, should be adjusting my world view on my own species ... but "no fighting in the WarRoom"

The age doesn't mean it was definitely made by Neandertals. It could have been acquired from other Homos.

hard to argue “more technical”, but at a similar level. they weaved clothes, spoke language, built dwelllings, made art and interbred with us. they are part of us to this day.

Its not spoken about openly, but there is a decent correlation between % of DNA from neanderthals and IQ