Tumulus skeleton found with arrow tip in spine [ 6,500 BC ]

Today's Zaman ^ | Thursday, December 9, 2010 | unattributed

[SunkenCiv]

"This tomb of a man in his 30s from the early Chalcolithic period did not seem unusual at first glance. He was buried in accordance with the burial traditions of the period. ... On closer examination of the skeleton, we discovered a deep arrow wound in the bottom of his spine," paleoanthropologist Songül Alpaslan Roodenberg from the excavation team told the Anatolia news agency. "The arrow tip explained the cause of this Aktopraklik man's death almost precisely," she said...

Adding that it is very probable that the man died quickly due to excessive bleeding, the paleoanthropologist said: "it seems that he was injured not far from the village and was taken back to the village shortly after he died. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to be buried in the traditional fetal position. "Although it is hard to tell whether the man was a warrior, hunter or just a peasant, this finding will certainly attract attention in the near future," she added.

Roodenberg also noted that the tumulus, whose history stretches back to about 8,500 years ago, is one of the earliest farming villages. Nearly 60 tombs have been discovered during excavations at the ancient site, which were launched seven years ago with the support of the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality. The tombs are from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods.

"Rites for burying the dead give us clues about the belief systems of prehistoric people. Details including the shape of the tombs, the way the bodies are positioned or objects buried near the dead reveal much information," she added.

[SunkenCiv]

Sounds like he was either victimized by a backshooter, or had turned tail and run. ;’)

[bigheadfred]

Sounds like he was either victimized by a backshooter, or had turned tail and run.

Shot in the bottom of the spine. Hmmm... Turned tail to run. Hmmm... Running Bare shoulda left Little White Dove the hell alone...