Ancient Neanderthal Injury Points to Early Spear Violence
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Original source:phys.org
Key Takeaways
- Scientists examined partial skeletal remains found in an Iraqi Kurdistan cave.
- A round mark on a shoulder blade indicates severe trauma.
- Researchers link the injury to an attack using a wooden spear.
- This discovery marks the earliest potential evidence of interpersonal lethal violence among hominins.
Researchers analyzing ancient skeletal remains discovered in a cave located in Iraqi Kurdistan have identified a distinct circular puncture on a shoulder blade. This specific trauma suggests an ancient hominin met a violent end caused by a pointed wooden shaft.
Experts believe this finding represents the oldest known instance of lethal conflict between individuals utilizing a sharpened wooden weapon in the human evolutionary timeline.
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