Neanderthal shoulder wound suggests lethal violence was common

A 75,000-year-old Neanderthal shoulder blade discovered in Iraqi Kurdistan features a distinct 15mm hole. Researchers believe this was caused by a sharpened wooden spear piercing the individual's chest, potentially representing the earliest known evidence of lethal interpersonal violence with such a weapon. While scientists debate whether the fatal injury resulted from a violent conflict or a hunting accident, experts lean toward interpersonal violence due to the specific angle and nature of the wound. This finding adds to a growing body of research suggesting Neanderthal societies experienced frequent violent interactions.