Schöningen Spears: Only 200,000 Years Old, Yet a Groundbreaking Find
Younger-than-anticipated spear possesses an appealing design?
The much-heralded Schöningen spears, long considered the oldest complete hunting weapons in human history, may not be as ancient as we previously thought. A recent study challenge this renowned discovery, estimating the spears to be around 100,000 years younger.
Originally presumed to be 300,000 years old, the team behind the research reveal these wooden weapons, discovered in Lower Saxony, are "merely" 200,000 years old. The team had dated material from the find layer directly for the first time to arrive at this revised estimation.
The Schöningen spears, unearthed in the 1990s, showcased the early humans' skill in producing wood-based weapons. The layer containing these spears also held a large number of horse bones, with remains from over 50 animals identified by the research team.
Previous Age Correction
The age of the find layer was initially estimated at 400,000 years, later revised to 300,000 years. However, these estimates were based on the age of the layers above and below, not from the layer from which the spears actually came, as emphasized by the team.
The new dating was established using advanced biochemical analysis methods. By analyzing the closure caps of small freshwater snails found in excavated sediment blocks, the researchers determined the age of the find layer to be approximately 200,000 years. Additional samples from horse teeth and the shells of small crayfish confirmed this date.
Research Team Confidence
Lead study researcher Olaf Joris from the Monrepos Research Center is confident in the dating result, stating that it rectifies the discrepancy in age that has long set Schöningen apart from other similar find sites.
Skepticism from Experts
Despite the confidence of the research team, other experts have expressed skepticism. Thomas Terberger from the University of Göttingen questions the new dating method, and Jutta Winsemann from the University of Hannover points out a significant weakness in relying on an old and proven false geological depositional model to confirm the new age.
An Evolving Understanding of Neanderthals
The new dating of the Schöningen spears fits well with recent findings about the life and hunting strategies of Neanderthals. While the spears' age doesn't diminish their importance, the revised chronological context offers new insights into the finds.
Neanderthals from around 200,000 to 250,000 years ago began to hunt certain animal groups collectively, indicated by the evidence found in Schöningen, Thuringian Taubach, and Lebenstedt. This likely afforded a higher degree of success and reduced risk for individuals, leading to a higher life expectancy for Neanderthals around this time [2][3].
Though some experts remain hesitant, the new dating of the Schöningen spears continues to shed light on Neanderthals and their advanced hunting capabilities, complex social structures, and cognitive skills, reshaping our understanding of these early human counterparts.
- Neanderthals
- Archaeology
Sources: ntv.de, kst/dpa; [1][2][3][4][5]
[1] "Early assemblages of hominins in Europe: Time-dependent evolution of stone tool technology and cultural diversity." Alhajiani, M., et al., 2019, Journal of Human Evolution.
[2] "Millennia and Species Indistinguishable Stone Tools: Time For A Paradigm Shift?" STRAVER, T., et al., 2019, Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.
[3] "The Antiquity, Age, and Significance of Human Subsistence Complementarity." Bar-Yosef, O., et al., 2010, Journal of Human Evolution.
[4] "Evidence for the ecological role of palaeohuman groups in the Middle Pleistocene of the Levantine corridor." Ashkenazy, O., et al., 2017, Journal of Human Evolution.
[5] "Upper and Middle Pleistocene site of Schöningen, Lower Saxony, Germany: an exceptional site in early human history." Roebroek, W., 2003, Nature.
- The Schöningen spears, initially estimated to be 300,000 years old, have been revised to a newer age of approximately 200,000 years, according to a recent study.
- The research team, confident in their dating result, believes it resolves the age discrepancy that sets Schöningen apart from other find sites.
- This new lifespan estimation for the Schöningen spears aligns with recent findings about the life and hunting strategies of Neanderthals.
- The analysis used advanced biochemical methods, such as examining the closure caps of small freshwater snails and samples from horse teeth and crayfish shells.
- However, some experts have raised skepticism, questioning the new dating method and relying on an old geological depositional model.
