A Neanderthal who died 75,000 years ago may have been struck through the chest by a sharpened wooden spear, according to archaeologists.
Based on the angle of the wound and other evidence, researchers believe the spear entered the individual's chest and passed through the body—likely damaging a lung and major blood vessels—and exited through the left shoulder blade, leaving a near-perfect hole.
According to Pomeroy, the wound is thought to be the first evidence for the use of sharpened wooden spears in the prehistoric Middle East.
This research represents the latest in emerging evidence suggesting that Neanderthal societies experienced more violence than previously thought, potentially indicating that violence shaped human life far earlier than assumed.
Researchers note the incident may also be a case of friendly fire or a wound caused by a hunting accident.