Ancient Clacton spear linked to 75,000-year-old Neanderthal death

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 14:29 · Archive

A 400,000-year-old wooden spear found at Clacton-on-Sea may have caused a fatal wound in a Neanderthal who died 75,000 years ago.

Researchers have linked a 400,000-year-old wooden spear discovered at Clacton-on-Sea to what may be the earliest evidence of a human ancestor killed by a spear. The pointed end of the spear was found on the shoreline in 1911 and is the earliest known rounded wooden spear. The spear connection comes from study of Neanderthal remains uncovered in Shanidar Cave in Iraqi Kurdistan. An adult Neanderthal died around 75,000 years ago with a circular hole in the scapula, or shoulder blade.

The fatal wound is a 15mm-wide circular perforation, believed to be the earliest known evidence of lethal violence using a sharpened wooden spear. Dr Emma Pomeroy, a fellow at Newnham College, Cambridge, studied the remains and found that holes left by recreations of spears from that era matched the wound on the Neanderthal's shoulder blade. 'That early technology absolutely works for this wound,' she said. The matching hole suggests similar spear technology inflicted the fatal injury thousands of years before the Neanderthal's death.

Dr Pomeroy noted that evidence suggests Neanderthals and their ancestors developed woodworking and weapon-making skills many thousands of years before the Shanidar death occurred. The connection between the ancient Clacton spear and the Neanderthal remains points to sophisticated hunting practices and the capacity for lethal conflict among prehistoric human ancestors.

How it is being reported

• Ancient weapon found in seaside town linked to 75,000-year-old killingA 400,000-year-old spear which was discovered in Clacton could be linked to the discovery of a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal's body.Echo (Basildon) · 16 Oct, 14:00
• Ancient weapon found in seaside town linked to 75,000-year-old killingA 400,000-year-old spear which was discovered in Clacton could be linked to the discovery of a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal's body.Colchester Gazette · 16 Oct, 14:00
• Ancient weapon found in seaside town linked to 75,000-year-old killingA 400,000-year-old spear which was discovered in Clacton could be linked to the discovery of a 75,000-year-old Neanderthal's body.Brentwood Guardian · 16 Oct, 14:00

In this story: Dr Emma Pomeroy · Newnham College, Cambridge · Clacton-on-Sea · Shanidar Cave · Iraqi Kurdistan

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