In a cave in Vietnam, archaeologists have discovered the remains of a man who may be one of the earliest known victims of interpersonal violence. His death was caused by an injury from a thrown quartz projectile point.
Archaeologists have discovered the bones of a man in the Thung Binh 1 cave in Vietnam who could be one of the first known murder victims in human history. Scientists estimate the event took place around 12,000 years ago.
The research was conducted by a team led by Christopher Stimpson of the University of Oxford. The man, who was about 35 years old, suffered a neck injury from a quartz projectile point—likely a thrown weapon—that was found with his remains. After the injury, the wound became infected, which appears to have been the cause of death.
According to archaeologist Benjamin Utting of the Smithsonian Museum, the projectile point is unlike other tools from the region, which raises questions about its origin. The researchers note that the combination of the injury and the artifact makes the discovery unique for both Southeast Asia and the Neolithic era.
“This is exceptional evidence of interpersonal violence that provides a rare glimpse into the lives and conflicts of ancient communities,” Stimpson stated.
The Thung Binh 1 cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and this discovery expands our understanding of the social and cultural development of early humans in the region.
