Ancient Skeleton Reveals Early Human Violence

Scientists have uncovered compelling evidence of early human violence, dating back approximately 100,000 years. An analysis of a Middle Paleolithic skeleton, discovered in the Qafzeh cave in present-day Israel, indicates that the individual suffered a violent injury.

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The injuries to the jawbone and part of a molar are the result of a blow with a sharp object.

The skeleton, designated 'Qafzeh 25', belongs to an adult male and was found alongside 26 other Homo sapiens fossils. Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the National Center for Research on Human Evolution (CENIEH) meticulously studied a wound on the left jawbone and surrounding gum area. Using advanced techniques including tomography, they determined the injury was inflicted by a sharp object, likely an early flint knife.

Crucially, the wound shows signs of healing, meaning the individual survived the attack. While researchers acknowledge the possibility of accidental injury, such as during a hunting incident, they deem it "very likely a case of violence between humans." The location of the wound on the left side of the face, combined with the fact that most humans are right-handed, further supports this conclusion.

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It is very likely a case of violence between humans.

This discovery represents one of the oldest known instances of interpersonal violence and is a rare find for the Middle Paleolithic era. The study also ruled out post-mortem damage from pests, suggesting the individual may have received care and was later buried within the cave.

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It is one of the oldest examples of violence between humans, and a rare example for the Middle Paleolithic.