Neanderthal-Made Spear Tip Found in Russia Is Oldest Known in Europe

An international research team has uncovered the oldest known spear tip in Europe, crafted by Neanderthals tens of thousands of years before modern humans arrived on the continent. The discovery, detailed in the Journal of Archaeological Science, sheds new light on the technological capabilities of our extinct relatives.
Originally unearthed in 2003 from a sediment layer in a cave in Russia’s North Caucasus region, the spear tip was found alongside animal bones and traces of a campfire. Although recovered two decades ago, the artifact was only recently subjected to in-depth scientific analysis.

Using a combination of spectroscopy, computed tomography, and various microscopy techniques, the researchers determined that the 9-centimeter-long spear tip was carved from the bone of a large animal, likely a bison. It had been affixed to a wooden shaft using a natural adhesive—some form of tar.
The artifact was dated to between 80,000 and 70,000 years ago, placing it well before the arrival of Homo sapiens in Europe around 45,000 years ago. This strongly suggests that the spear tip was created by Neanderthals.

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Microscopic examination revealed that stone tools had been used to shape the tip, and that it had likely seen action—possibly in a hunt or a conflict—based on impact fractures. Interestingly, there were no signs of prolonged use, suggesting it fulfilled its purpose soon after it was crafted.

This rare find challenges longstanding assumptions that Neanderthal tool use was limited to stone. It also offers evidence of more advanced cognitive abilities, such as foresight and strategic planning, in Neanderthal behavior.

One lingering question the study raises is why more such bone tools haven't been discovered. The researchers propose that most of these organic implements may have simply decayed over time, especially if they weren’t preserved in protective environments like the cave where this spear tip was found.