Ancient cave bones reveal Neanderthal violence and compassion

Ancient cave bones show Neanderthals engaged in lethal combat 75,000 years ago.

Researchers analyzing ancient skeletal remains from an Iraqi cave have discovered evidence of a spear wound dating back 75,000 years. The finding indicates that lethal combat and social care were both present in Neanderthal society much earlier than previously understood. Scientists examined the trauma to understand the daily dangers faced by early human relatives.

• The timelineThe skeletal injury dates back 75,000 years.
• The locationThe bones were recovered from a cave located in Iraq.
• The implicationThe findings point to both physical conflict and social compassion among early hominids.

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