Final answer:
The evidence from archaeological sites supports the claim that Neanderthals conducted ritual burials of the dead, as seen in the intentional positioning of bodies and inclusion of items in graves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Neanderthal sites show the first ritual burial of the dead is considered to be true. There is strong evidence from various archaeological sites that Neanderthals practiced intentional and ritual burials. One notable example is the Shanidar 4 site in Iraq, where an individual was carefully placed in a grave, accompanied by indications that flowers may have been part of the burial process. This, along with other findings, such as bodies positioned in specific postures and buried with household objects, supports the idea of a ritualistic approach to burials among Neanderthals. Although some scientists argue that the evidence is not conclusive and alternative explanations could account for the findings, the prevailing consensus among researchers is that the intentional position of the bodies and the inclusion of items in graves signify a form of ritual behavior.