To date, the oldest example of a projectile in Europe has been the spear-thrower excavated from the Combe-Sauniere site in France 2 years ago.However, this time, when the crescent-shaped stone tool of modern human beings excavated from the Cavaro cave was analyzed by the analysis method developed by Professor Katsuhiro Sano of Tohoku University, traces of this stone tool being projected using a spear-thrower or a bow were found. It is said that the origin of the use of projection tools in Europe goes back about 3000 years.

　4-5000 years ago, when Neanderthals and modern humans coexisted in Europe.While the Neanderthals were extinct 4 years ago, modern humans appear to have increased their population, for unknown reasons.

　This time, Professor Sano and others have organized an international research team in Italy and Japan.146 crescent-shaped stone tools excavated from the Cavaro cave were analyzed using a digital microscope.

　As a result, many crescent-shaped stone tools have traces of use similar to samples projected by spear-throwers and bows, and modern humans who have spread to Europe are equipped with projectiles such as spear-throwers and bows. It was suggested that

　In addition, some crescent-shaped stone tools were found to have an adhesive mixed with ocher, resin and beeswax.It is believed that such an adhesive was used to increase the fixing strength in order to prevent the stone tools from coming off the handle when hitting the prey at a high speed.

　Hunting with spear-throwers and bows has been found to be advantageous in the competition for survival, and this discovery is expected to contribute to the elucidation of the mystery that modern humans have achieved population growth.

Paper information:[Nature Ecology & Evolution] The earliest evidence for mechanically delivered projectile weaponsin Europe