Paleolithic injury patterns: investigating different trauma frequencies in Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans

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A much debated topic in prehistoric research is the analysis of differences and similarities in living conditions and behavior of Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans (AMH). The prevailing image of Neanderthals over the last decades depicts these robust hominids as leading dangerous, exhausting and stressful lives, contrary to modern humans. This image is based on interpretations of the traumatic injuries found in some Neanderthal skeletal remains, which are, for instance, considered to be the result of hunting accidents or interpersonal violence. The analysis of trauma frequencies and distributions (trauma patterns) is a promising approach to reconstruct behavioral aspects and life circumstances of past humans, and is commonly used for skeletal material from younger periods. However, until now there have been no detailed, comprehensive and multi-species investigations of trauma patterns in the Paleolithic, as Paleolithic trauma research has focused mainly on Neanderthals. Trauma patterns of Upper Paleolithic AMH have only been addressed in cursory examinations although they are the most appropriate sample for comparison with Neanderthals. The aim of this project is to fill this research gap and to conduct a systematic investigation of trauma patterns of Neanderthals and, for the first time, of AMH. The study will be based on the published literature on Middle- and Upper Paleolithic fossil remains from Eurasia (ca. 200-10 ka BP). The skeletal remains will be quantified to incorporate a particular emphasis on the crucial factor of skeletal preservation during data analysis. This represents an innovative methodological approach in Paleolithic trauma research. Trauma patterns will be characterized for both Neanderthals and AMH, possible species-specific differences will be analyzed and contextual data from archaeology and anthropology will be used to detect potential causes of patterns. This project can thus provide us with more insights into Middle- and Upper Paleolithic human behaviors and living conditions.