The hole in the Neanderthal found in Shanidar Cave indicated that the cause of death was external trauma.
Iraq’s Shanidar Cave has revealed a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal remains that shed light on violence and care among ancient humans, according to One.uz.
As reported by Reuters, researchers uncovered a partially preserved skeleton of a Neanderthal estimated to be over 40 years old from Shanidar Cave in the Zagros Mountains.
The individual, nicknamed “Shanidar A,” had an undetermined sex. A round hole with a diameter of 15 millimeters was found in the left parietal bone of the skull.
Experts believe this was caused by a penetrating thrust from a spear-like weapon that entered the chest cavity, fracturing ribs and other bones. This injury may have been fatal.
Specialists suggest the incident resulted from interpersonal violence—either conflict within the Neanderthal group or between rival groups. The possibility of an attack by modern humans or accidental injury is considered less likely.
Yet another striking aspect of the find is that the teeth of “Shanidar A” show signs of a severe trauma sustained at least a year before death.
As a result of the blow, some front teeth were chipped and fell out, while others were worn down. According to Emma Pomeroy, lead researcher and anthropologist at the University of Cambridge, eating and drinking would have been extremely difficult after such an injury.
Therefore, the individual likely depended on the help and care of group members during recovery. In total, remains of five Neanderthals were found in the cave: four adults and one infant.
The skeletons were discovered lying close together on a limestone ledge. Shanidar Cave has been a key archaeological source for studying Neanderthal life since the 1950s.
The findings of the new study were published in the journal *Scientific Reports*. Researchers believe this discovery challenges the view of Neanderthals as merely violent or indifferent beings.
The presence of both evidence of violence and care in a single individual indicates that relationships among ancient humans were far more complex than previously thought.
