Neanderthals are our closest known extinct relatives, with about 99.5% of DNA in common with humans. They had a brain size similar to ours and much stronger bodies. They were also likely better adapted to Europe's bitter climate and had survived several ice ages.That contrasts with the imbecility from England that the Neandertal "went extinct" because there was a cold snap right when "gracile anatomically modern humans" arrived from Africa.
Compare and contrast:
Modern Humans Arrived in Europe Earlier Than Previously Thought, Study Finds
Before they left Africa, early modern humans were ‘culturally diverse’
Neanderthals Died Out 10,000 Years Earlier Than Thought, With Help From Modern Humans
So, that ‘tells’ the final story:
Neanderthals were killed off by DIVERSITY!.......................