Neanderthals apparently had the same violent tendencies as their cousin Homo sapiens. A recent study of a Neanderthal skull found in 1979 near St Césaire in France suggests that the original owner was whacked very hard just above his forehead. The injury was probably not the result of a fall, as accidents tend to affect the sides of the head and not the top. The researchers, headed by Christoph Zollikofer at the University of Zurich, believe that the 36,000-year-old injury was probably caused by a blow from a sharp weapon (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol 99, p 6444). This is only the second piece of evidence for deliberate aggression by Neanderthals.
More from 51¶¯Âþ
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Life
Should you stop using preventive flea treatments on your pets?
News
Technology
Most people prefer AI-written stories – and can’t tell when they are made by humans
News
Physics
The once-impossible black holes that could break thermodynamics
Comment
Life
Darwin proved right about gnat-trapping carnivorous plant
News
Popular articles
Trending 51¶¯Âþ articles