A Spear Wound Likely Killed This Neanderthal, but It Tells a Very Human Story
Archaeologists from the University of Cambridge discovered the remains of an adult Neanderthal in Shanidar Cave, Iraqi Kurdistan, who died more than 70,000 years ago. A round hole in the shoulder blade indicates a likely fatal wound caused by a wooden spear. While the injury suggests early homicide, healed facial trauma on the same individual indicates they received care and support to survive previous injuries. This discovery highlights a juxtaposition of violence and compassion within the species.
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- ✓ An adult Neanderthal died more than 70,000 years ago in a cave in Iraqi Kurdistan.
- ✓ A hole in the Neanderthal's shoulder bone is linked to a wooden spear.
- ✓ The fossil remains were found in Shanidar Cave.
- ✓ Healed facial injuries suggest the individual received help to survive previous trauma.
What changed
University of Cambridge researchers identified a potential kill shot from a wooden spear in a Neanderthal shoulder blade.
Live updates
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Neanderthal Fossil from Iraqi Cave Shows Evidence of Fatal Spear Wound
Archaeologists from the University of Cambridge discovered the remains of an adult Neanderthal in Shanidar Cave, Iraqi Kurdistan, who died more than 70,000 years ago. A round hole in the shoulder blade indicates a likely fatal wound caused by a wooden spear. While the injury suggests early homicide, healed facial trauma on the same individual indicates they received care and support to survive previous injuries. This discovery highlights a juxtaposition of violence and compassion within the species.
Why it matters
The find is significant because the shoulder blade is a fragile bone rarely found intact in burials. This specimen provides a rare glimpse into the social behaviors and interpersonal conflicts of ancient human ancestors.
What is confirmed
- An adult Neanderthal died more than 70,000 years ago in a cave in Iraqi Kurdistan.
- A hole in the Neanderthal's shoulder bone is linked to a wooden spear.
- The fossil remains were found in Shanidar Cave.
- Healed facial injuries suggest the individual received help to survive previous trauma.
Still unconfirmed
- The spear wound is the earliest known evidence of ancient humans attacking one another.
- The shoulder wound was a fatal kill shot.
What to watch next
- Peer review of the homicide claim by other anthropologists.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.cnn.com — Scientists suspect foul play in the death of a Neanderthal ...
- www.theguardian.com — Neanderthal remains may be earliest human ancestor find ...
- CNN — Neanderthal murder mystery reveals a tale of violence and compassion
- BBC — Hole in Neanderthal shoulder bone linked to ancient wooden spear
- Reuters — Bones from Iraqi cave hint at violence and compassion in Neanderthals
- gizmodo.com — A Spear Wound Likely Killed This Neanderthal, but It Tells a Very Human Story
- Archaeology Magazine — News - Possible Fatal Wound Identified in Neanderthal Bone
- Gizmodo — A Spear Wound Likely Killed This Neanderthal, but It Tells a Very Human Story
- www.abc.net.au — Fatal wound may be earliest evidence of a Neanderthal killed ...
- www.vice.com — Why This 75,000-Year-Old Stabbing Victim Is Changing How We ...
- www.labrujulaverde.com — A Neanderthal’s Shoulder Blade from Shanidar Cave May Bear ...
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