Neanderthal man killed by spear in ancient Iraq
Anthropologists discovered the remains of a Neanderthal man in Iraq with evidence of a spear wound, indicating the earliest known case of intentional killing by spear. The man survived a prior severe injury and was cared for by his group before dying.
Consensus
- The remains of a Neanderthal man were found in the Shanidar cave in Iraq.
- The man died from a spear wound that penetrated his body from the front.
- The spear wound damaged vital organs including the heart, lungs, and major arteries.
- The Neanderthal survived a previous severe injury to the jaw and lived for at least a year afterward.
- Evidence suggests he was cared for by his group after the injury.
- The remains were found in the 'Shanidar A' burial site at a depth of eight meters.
- The estimated age of the remains is around 75,000 years.
- The discovery was made during renewed excavations at the site.
- The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports.
- The research was conducted by scholars from the University of Cambridge.
Points of divergence
- The left scapula bone was found, which rarely survives in soil. — riamo
- The man was estimated to be 45 years old at the time of death. — riamo
- The researchers interpret the care provided as evidence of compassion, highlighting the duality of ancient human behavior. — riamo
- The man first survived a conflict-related injury before being killed by the spear. — tg_tass_agency
Coverage (2 sources)
- Anthropologists found in Iraq the oldest trace of Neanderthal murder with a spear — РИАМО
- In Iraq, the oldest known example of a Neanderthal's death from a spear thrust has been found. — ТАСС (Telegram)