Bone is very fragile and rock slides, cave-ins etc. could cause damage to the bones after the demise of the skeleton's owner. Trinkaus maintains that among the examples of supposed violence, only a few exceptional cases stand up to scrutiny. This would include the Shanidar 3 Iraq rib bone that undoubtedly betrays injury from a thrown spear. Trnkaus further maintains that this is the only absolutely conclusive evidence found of a violent encounter between modern man and his Neanderthal cousins (ibid. 143).
Although less definitive, Shanidar 1 shows injuries that might have been due to a violent encounter, although and accident can not be ruled out, although it is not clear whether the atrophied right arm was amputated or was due to a blow to the left side of the skull that caused paralysis to that right arm. Other Shanidar cave skeletons had only minor injuries, none of which proves conclusively whether...
Many show signs of arthritic degeneration and probably died at advanced ages between 40 to 60 years of age.
Most of the other Neanderthal remains from Europe show the same issues. On the positive side, this would seem to indicate that the individuals in question were cared for at least sometime into their old age. Neanderthal skeletons show the first evidence of intentional burial with offerings.
The lives of the Neanderthals may have been harsh and dangerous. Their social behavior however compensated for this. They took care of each other. Trinkaus argues therefore that they should be considered the first humans (ibid 145). This author agrees with this analysis.
Works Cited:
Trinkaus, Erik. "Hard Times Among the Neanderthals." Ghosttn.com. 15 Apr 2010.
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