New Delhi, March 13 -- Evidence from an ancient cave site in Israel challenges the idea that early human species were in constant conflict, instead showing shared cultural practices between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.

A new study of Tinshemet Cave, published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, has suggested that humans and Neanderthals coexisted peacefully between 80,000 and 130,000 years ago, sharing technology, lifestyles and burial customs.

Researchers found evidence of humans and their extinct relatives, Neanderthals, engaging in formal burial practices. They also used ochre - a natural mineral pigment commonly employed to colour earthenware, household utensils and decorations.

The period between 80,000 and 130,000 years ago,...