Shanidar A Neanderthal remains reveal potential prehistoric violence

Archaeologists analyzing 75,000-year-old Neanderthal remains from Shanidar Cave in Iraqi Kurdistan have discovered evidence that may represent the oldest known instance of lethal interpersonal violence in the hominin fossil record.

The remains, belonging to an individual designated “Shanidar A,” include a left scapula, a right hand, ribs, and teeth. Researchers identified a nearly circular 15-millimeter perforation in the shoulder blade, which they believe was caused by a wooden spear. The trajectory suggests the weapon entered through the chest, likely damaging a lung and major blood vessels, and may have been aimed at the heart.

In contrast to the fatal wound, the remains also provide evidence of survival and social care. A split incisor in the lower jaw shows signs of significant blunt-force trauma that the individual survived. The presence of dental calculus around the injury suggests the individual lived for at least a year following the trauma, a period during which they likely required support and soft food from other Neanderthals to recover.