75,000-year-old Neanderthal injury may be earliest evidence of lethal spear attack

 A Neanderthal who lived 75,000 years ago survived a severe facial injury for at least a year before suffering a possibly fatal spear wound. Researchers studying remains found in Iraq’s Shanidar Cave identified a 15mm hole in the shoulder blade, suggesting a wooden spear injury. The findings also point to possible care from other Neanderthals. A Neanderthal who lived 75,000 years ago survived a severe facial injury for at least a year before suffering a possibly fatal spear wound. Researchers studying remains found in Iraq’s Shanidar Cave identified a 15mm hole in the shoulder blade, suggesting a wooden spear injury. The findings also point to possible care from other Neanderthals.