Neanderthal fossil reveals fatal wooden-spear wound and evidence of care

Archaeologists have said a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal found in Iraqi Kurdistan died from a sharpened wooden spear thrust through the chest.

• The study, published Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports, details remains excavated from Shanidar Cave in 2019 and 2022.
• The 15-millimeter circular hole in the shoulder blade indicates the spear pierced the lung and major arteries, likely killing Shanidar A.
• Study lead author Emma Pomeroy said the wound "bears the hallmarks of an intended kill shot directed towards the heart."
• Pomeroy said a split tooth healed after blunt-force trauma, indicating the individual received care from other Neanderthals.