Neanderthal may have died from spear wound

A circular hole in the shoulder blade of a Neanderthal from Shanidar Cave may mark a fatal wooden-spear injury around the time of death, researchers report. The remains, named Shanidar A, were excavated in 2019 and 2022 in Iraqi Kurdistan. ^[1]

The researchers describe a smooth-edged hole about 15 millimeters wide, with fractures and displaced bone fragments. They propose it was made by a wooden spear thrust from the front, but say the evidence cannot show whether the injury came from a hunting accident or violence. ^[1]

A damaged tooth that showed signs of healing suggests Shanidar A survived an earlier facial injury, which researchers say may indicate care from others. However, an independent archaeologist told ABC the proposed cause of death needs more evidence; the study’s authors’ interpretation remains uncertain. ^[1][3]