--- title: "Shanidar A Suffered Fatal Wound from Wooden Spear" url: https://newscentral.site/shanidar-a-suffered-fatal-wound-from-wooden-spear/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Science" published: 2026-10-15T15:00:00.000Z updated: 2026-10-15T20:33:17.778Z id: 6d67d15e-5d37-4f0b-8a01-267dbb016d08 source: "Live Science https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/neanderthals/mysterious-hole-in-neanderthal-shoulder-blade-may-have-been-a-kill-shot-from-a-wooden-spear-according-to-archaeologists" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/shanidar-a-suffered-fatal-wound-from-wooden-spear/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Shanidar A Suffered Fatal Wound from Wooden Spear A 75,000-year-old Neanderthal found in Shanidar Cave in Iraq was killed by a precise and forceful wound inflicted with a wooden spear. A 75,000-year-old Neanderthal discovered in Shanidar Cave in Iraq has been found to have suffered a fatal wound from a wooden spear, according to new archaeological findings. The analysis of the bones suggests that the wound was inflicted with precision and force, indicating it may have been a targeted attack. The location of the wound, which pierced the chest cavity, is consistent with an intended kill shot directed at the heart. First author Emma Pomeroy, a paleoanthropologist from the University of Cambridge, notes that the position and severity of the wound imply a deliberate attempt to cause fatal harm. This interpretation is based on the force required to penetrate the Neanderthal's body so deeply. The discovery was made possible through a study published in Scientific Reports, which analyzed the bones of Shanidar A, a 45-year-old Neanderthal who died violently and was subsequently buried at the site. Shanidar Cave has gained international attention for its evidence of purposeful burial, a practice previously thought to be exclusive to modern humans. The incomplete skeleton of Shanidar A was discovered in 2019, comprising a mostly complete right hand, three ribs, six teeth and a left scapula, which made it difficult to determine the Neanderthal's sex. A closer examination of the shoulder blade revealed a round hole approximately 0.6 inches in diameter near its edge, along with a corresponding piece of bone that had been punched out from the inside. The researchers eliminated other possible causes for the damage, such as animal gnawing or insect burrowing after death. The study's authors suggest that the perforation was likely caused by penetrating trauma sustained around the time of death. Specifically, they propose that the Neanderthal suffered a fatal wound inflicted by a high-velocity projectile entering their chest from the front and piercing their shoulder blade. Further analysis suggests that the shape of the wound in the shoulder blade is consistent with damage caused by wooden spears rather than stone-tipped weapons. This matches experimental evidence and aligns with the fact that Neanderthals would have used wooden spears for both thrusting and throwing. The exact circumstances of the Neanderthal's death remain unclear, but it is possible that they died as a result of a violent interaction or an accident during a hunting incident. The discovery of Shanidar A, a Neanderthal individual found in Iraq's Zagros Mountains, has provided a unique glimpse into the lives of our ancient relatives. Evidence suggests that despite its untimely demise, this Neanderthal received care during its lifetime. Its teeth show signs of heavy wear, indicating that it may have been fed or cared for by others. One tooth in particular stands out - a front tooth with significant tartar buildup had been split in half and continued to be used for an extended period. This suggests the individual suffered a severe trauma to the face, potentially fracturing its lower jawbone as well. The researchers believe that surviving such a blow would have required considerable care and support from other Neanderthals, allowing the individual to continue living and eating despite its condition. This level of care is significant, as it implies a high degree of social complexity among Neanderthals, with individuals showing concern for one another's well-being. The study's findings suggest that the wound inflicted on Shanidar A may have been fatal, and it raises questions about the tools used by Neanderthals to hunt their prey. Researchers have previously discovered evidence of a similarly wounded Neanderthal at the same site, known as Shanidar 3. This individual, who died around 50,000 years ago, had a deep gash in one of his ribs that suggested he may have been killed by a stone-tipped spear, possibly wielded by a modern human. The interaction between Neanderthals and early humans is still not well understood, with experts unsure exactly how they coexisted or interacted. Modern humans first arrived in Europe around 54,000 years ago, but the relationship between these two species remains a topic of ongoing research and debate. Pomeroy suggests that the discovery of two stabbed Neanderthals at Shanidar, separated by 25,000 years, may simply be a coincidence rather than evidence of a pattern or trend. Neanderthals repeatedly visited Shanidar Cave over thousands of years, leaving behind evidence of their presence at different time periods. This includes both around 75,000 years ago and a later period spanning 45-50,000 years ago. Their activities at the site suggest that Neanderthal life was complex, with multiple layers of meaning attached to the cave's use. The researchers point out that the discovery of traumatic injuries, purposeful burial, and indirect evidence of wooden spears all contribute to this interpretation. The presence of wooden spears is significant because it implies a level of technological sophistication among the Neanderthals. This is an important finding, given the long-held assumption that early humans were primitive and unsophisticated in their tool use. Further investigation into the cave's contents has revealed more about the lives of these ancient humans. The researchers' findings suggest that the Neanderthals had a deep connection to the site, returning repeatedly over time to engage in various activities. The complexity of Neanderthal life is also reflected in their treatment of the dead, with purposeful burial indicating a level of respect and care for their deceased. This aspect of their culture highlights the sophistication and emotional depth of these early humans. The discovery of a mysterious hole in a Neanderthal shoulder blade has sparked debate among archaeologists about its cause. Initial analysis suggested it could have been a result of an injury or disease, but recent findings suggest otherwise. Further examination revealed that the hole was likely inflicted by a wooden spear, providing evidence of a "kill shot" from a primitive hunting tool. This aspect of their culture highlights the sophistication and emotional depth of these early humans. The use of such tactics underscores the complexity of human behavior in prehistoric times. --- Source: [Live Science](https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/neanderthals/mysterious-hole-in-neanderthal-shoulder-blade-may-have-been-a-kill-shot-from-a-wooden-spear-according-to-archaeologists) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/shanidar-a-suffered-fatal-wound-from-wooden-spear/