Was Neanderthal life violent? This wound suggests lethal fighting was more common
Archaeologists have discovered a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal shoulder blade in Iraqi Kurdistan featuring a hole likely caused by a wooden spear. This finding suggests that Neanderthals engaged in lethal interpersonal violence more frequently than previously assumed.
Why it matters
It provides significant new evidence regarding the behavioral patterns and social complexity of extinct human species.
Image source, University of Cambridge Image caption, A wooden spear caused the hole in this Neanderthal shoulder blade, scientists say
A Neanderthal who died 75,000 years ago may have been struck through the chest by a sharpened wooden spear, archaeologists say.
They say a 15mm hole found in a shoulder blade in a cave in Iraqi Kurdistan could be the earliest evidence of lethal violence involving such a weapon.
From the angle of the wound and other evidence, the researchers believe the spear entered the individual's chest and passed through the body - probably damaging a lung and major blood vessels - and exited through the left shoulder blade to leave a near-perfect hole.
The research is the latest in emerging evidence that suggests Neanderthal societies experienced more violence than previously thought.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in