Spear wound in Neanderthal may offer glimpse of early violence

Summary

Archaeologists have discovered a spear puncture in the shoulder blade of a Neanderthal who lived 75,000 years ago, potentially offering a glimpse of early interpersonal violence. This follows earlier reports that a Neanderthal from Iraq’s Shanidar Cave may have been killed by a sharpened wooden spear.

Timeline

1. 404 Media

   17 Oct 2026, 13:36 UTCSource ↗

   404 Media reports that archaeologists found a spear puncture in the shoulder blade of a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal, which may offer evidence of early interpersonal violence.