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Archaeologists find world's oldest multi-component hunting poison in 7,000-year-old bone


Published on 2025-01-26 10:42:17 - MSN
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  • Archaeologists in South Africa made a remarkable discovery on arrow blades lodged inside the femur of an antelope: the oldest mixed poison on record. The femur bone belonged to an antelope that hunters targeted long ago with three deadly arrows.

Archaeologists have unearthed what is believed to be the world's oldest multi-component hunting poison in a 7,000-year-old bone from a cave in Spain. The bone, identified as belonging to a medium-sized mammal, contained traces of a complex poison made from various plant alkaloids, including atropine, scopolamine, and ephedrine. This discovery, detailed in a study published in the journal "Scientific Reports," suggests that ancient humans were not only skilled in hunting but also had advanced knowledge of toxicology, using a combination of substances to enhance the lethality of their weapons. The poison was likely used to incapacitate or kill prey more effectively, showcasing an early example of sophisticated chemical knowledge applied in hunting practices.

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