DARWIN may have established that all species of life descended over time from common ancestors, but most of us assume our forefathers were killer apes.

Now a University of York academic is challenging that notion, saying early humans were actually compassionate beings.

Dr Penny Spikins says we think of evolution being driven by intelligence, but her research suggests Neanderthals developed kindness long before they learned to reason.

And she can prove it.

Dr Spikins tells us today that she has archaeological evidence of societies caring for the sick and vulnerable and at the end of the month will publish her version of events.

This reversal of evolution theory is sure to court controversy, but should it? After all, primatologists point to empathy in primates and biologists now think altruism was basic to human evolution.

So why shouldn't archaeologists?

Dr Spikins concludes that looking after each other, not killing each other, is why we've been successful. She also says now is the time and place to say so.

It should spark a fascinating debate.