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Neanderthal shoulder bone hole linked to ancient wooden spear
Overview
Scientists studying a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal shoulder blade found in Shanidar Cave, Iraqi Kurdistan, have identified a 15mm circular hole likely caused by a sharpened wooden spear. Researchers suggest this could represent the earliest evidence of lethal interpersonal violence involving such a weapon, although a hunting accident remains a possibility. This finding adds to a growing body of evidence indicating that human-on-human violence has deep roots in prehistory, predating the advent of farming and permanent settlements.
Key points
- A 15mm circular hole in a Neanderthal shoulder blade, dating back 75,000 years, was likely caused by a sharpened wooden spear.
- The remains, known as Shanidar A, were discovered in a cave in Iraqi Kurdistan alongside other skeletal fragments.
- Researchers suggest the wound could be the earliest evidence of lethal interpersonal violence with a wooden spear in the prehistoric Middle East.
- While some experts lean towards an intentional attack, others note that a hunting accident or friendly fire cannot be entirely ruled out.
- This discovery contributes to a broader body of archaeological evidence suggesting that human violence pre-dates farming and permanent settlements by a significant margin.