The First Killer In Human History

In 2013, a remarkable discovery was made within the depths of the Spanish cave known as Sima de los Huesos, also referred to as the "pit of the bones." This find, consisting of human remains, bore an exceptional peculiarity: its location. Situated at a profound depth of 43 feet, or 13 meters,

the cave's inaccessibility to human habitation was striking. Adding to the intrigue was the absence of indications suggesting it was used as a burial ground.

Over time, this discovery evolved into evidence of what is arguably the first recorded murder in human history, at least according to the evidence available to modern science.

This revelation stirred discussions about the fundamental nature of humanity, a debate that traces back to the early days of scientific inquiry. Two contrasting perspectives emerged: that of Thomas Hobbes, who posited that Homo sapiens were inherently prone to violence and that the evolutionary trajectory of humankind was a relentless struggle of every individual against all others; and that of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who contended that human civilization evolved through cooperation and the desire for communal integration. This debate persists, prompting reflection on the true essence of humanity: are we inherently violent beings, as Hobbes argued, or are we driven by a cooperative inclination, as Rousseau believed? To unravel the mystery surrounding the human remains found within the Spanish cave, meticulous study of the discovered artifacts ensued. The assembly of a skull from 52 disparate fragments found scattered along the cave floor was a central aspect of the investigation. Age determination indicated that this skull's original owner lived approximately 430,000 years ago. Yet the skull's most captivating elements were two identical fractures located above the left eye. These fractures, exhibiting a uniform pattern, piqued curiosity. Initial conjectures suggested that these injuries were sustained in a fall within the cave's recesses. However, the cave's configuration offered no features capable of causing such symmetrical fractures. Furthermore, the absence of any signs of healing implied that these injuries were either fatal or inflicted postmortem. Subsequent scrutiny of the skull fractures unveiled a more profound truth: they resulted from intentional violence, specifically the impact of a stone spear or axe. In essence, the evidence indicated an act of murder. The assailant targeted the left eye region with a series of blows delivered by the right hand, after which the lifeless body was discarded into the depths of the cave. The complexities escalated as more remains were unearthed. Among the bones of 28 individuals within the cave, only the primary victim bore evidence of violent death. While the other remains lacked signs of violent demise, it was established that they were already deceased before being deposited within the cave. This brought forth the possibility of multiple culprits engaging in what might be the earliest-known instance of mass murder or even the actions of a serial killer. Remarkably, this crime predates the appearance of Homo sapiens by at least 130,000 years. The assailant, like the victims, belonged to an earlier human species. This revelation challenges the assumption that early human predecessors were necessarily gentler than modern humans. Instead, it underscores that aggression has deep evolutionary roots. A similar revelation emerged from a Romanian cave named Căvălinca, where human remains, including a skull exhibiting peculiar injuries, were discovered. These injuries, puzzled over for decades, were eventually explained through modern analyses. Simulating various scenarios of head injuries using sophisticated models, researchers concluded that the injuries were caused by intentional blows from a blunt object. The victim's position during the attack and the trajectory of the injuries pointed to a violent confrontation, revealing a prehistoric act of murder. Evolutionary biologists posit that modern violence is rooted in the dynamics of natural selection. Ancestors who possessed inclinations toward aggression may have eliminated more pacific members of their community, allowing aggression-associated genes to persist across generations. This has culminated in the complex interplay of aggression and empathy inherent in contemporary humanity. However, not all individuals manifest these violent tendencies. Empathy and cooperation, also traits embedded within human evolution, counterbalance aggression. The US Bureau of Statistics underscores this by revealing that a significant percentage of female murder victims fall prey to spouses or former partners. This reflects the emotional entanglements that can fuel impulsive, tragic actions. Conclusively, the nature of humanity appears to embrace both destructive aggression and compassionate cooperation. While aggression facilitated survival and dominance throughout human history, cooperation enabled the formation of intricate societies, art, and culture.

Over time, society's evolving ethical standards suggest that violence is increasingly viewed as unacceptable, offering hope that the legacy of violence will eventually dissipate into history.

In summary, the archaeological revelations from Sima de los Huesos and Căvălinca provide a fascinating glimpse into early human history, challenging our notions of human nature and violence. The evidence suggests a complex interplay between aggression and empathy in shaping the human story, ultimately calling for a nuanced understanding of our past and present behaviors.