# Neanderthal Wound Suggests Earliest Spear Kill

> Neanderthal remains in Iraqi Kurdistan cave show earliest human ancestor killed by spear.
- Title: Neanderthal Wound Suggests Earliest Spear Kill · the Guardian
- Summary: Neanderthal remains in Iraqi Kurdistan cave show earliest human ancestor killed by spear. A Neanderthal died over 70,000 years ago with a spear wound that…
- Keywords: neanderthal, shanidar cave, iraq, kurdistan, spear wound, human ancestor, neanderthal remains, science, Wound, Suggests, Earliest, Spear
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/science/2026/oct/15/neanderthal-remains-human-ancestor-killed-by-spear-iraq-kurdistan-cave-earliest-find
- Published: 2026-10-15T15:00:23+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: neanderthal, shanidar cave, iraq, kurdistan, spear wound, human ancestor, neanderthal remains, science
## Neanderthal Skeleton Found
Archaeologists discovered Neanderthal remains in Shanidar cave, Iraqi Kurdistan.
## 70,000-Year-Old Injury
The Neanderthal died over 70,000 years ago with a 1.5cm-wide hole in the shoulder blade.
## Three Fractures Spreading
Three fractures spread from the 1.5cm-wide hole with bone fragments filling the wound.
## Possible Spear Wound
The circular hole and bone damage suggest a wooden spear struck the body from the front.
## Split Tooth Evidence
The Neanderthal had a split lower incisor with teeth twisted inward and hardened plaque.
## Hunting or Violence?
Scientists cannot determine if the wound was a hunting accident or intentional interpersonal violence.
## Spear Wound Likely Lethal
The wound was a 'kill shot' targeting the heart, suggesting intentional killing rather than accident.
## Key takeaway

A Neanderthal died over 70,000 years ago with a spear wound that may be the oldest evidence of human ancestor being killed by a wooden spear.