# Round Hole in Neanderthal Shoulder Blade Points to Wooden Spear Wound from 75,000 Years Ago

> Neanderthal found with 75,000-year-old wooden spear wound on shoulder blade.
- Title: Round Hole in Neanderthal Shoulder Blade Points to Wooden…
- Summary: Neanderthal found with 75,000-year-old wooden spear wound on shoulder blade. A Neanderthal who lived 75,000 years ago died from a wooden spear wound that…
- Keywords: neanderthal, shanidar a, shanidar cave, cambridge university, emily pomeroy, scientific reports, wooden spear, 75000 years ago, finance, markets, Round, Hole
- Source: BigGo Finance — https://finance.biggo.com/news/3c026de7-22fb-4ba7-bcfc-5cba664e5c6b
- Author: BigGo Finance
- Published: 2026-10-16T06:05:27+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: neanderthal, shanidar a, shanidar cave, cambridge university, emily pomeroy, scientific reports, wooden spear, 75000 years ago, finance, markets
## Neanderthal shoulder blade discovery
A fatal puncture wound likely from a wooden spear was found in a Neanderthal's shoulder blade 75,000 years ago.
## Shanidar A remains analysis
The research team led by Professor Emma Pomeroy of the University of Cambridge analyzed the 'Shanidar A' remains from Shanidar Cave in Iraqi Kurdistan.
## Round hole in shoulder blade
The hole was 1.5 cm in diameter with smooth edges, matching damage from a wooden spear more closely than stone-tipped weapons.
## Spear wound impact
The spear likely pierced the left lung and major blood vessels, causing rapid death but the cause remains uncertain.
## Earlier facial injury
The Neanderthal also had a severe facial injury that required care from group members to survive at least one year.
## Dental damage evidence
The Neanderthal had one lower front tooth split vertically with half remaining, indicating prolonged survival after injury.
## Mortuary practices
At least five Neanderthals were interred in Shanidar Cave over multiple periods, showing repeated use of a specific burial space.
## Key takeaway

A Neanderthal who lived 75,000 years ago died from a wooden spear wound that likely pierced the left lung and major blood vessels.