Was the neanderthal an ape

No, Neanderthals were not apes; they were a distinct species of early humans, scientifically known as Homo neanderthalensis. They shared a common ancestor with modern humans and were closely related, having lived in Europe and parts of Asia until about 40,000 years ago. While they exhibited some ape-like features, such as robust physiques, they are classified as hominins, not apes.