Nearly 28,000 years ago, a young boy was laid to rest in a cave in northern Italy. Archaeologists recently determined that he died from a bear attack. Vitale Sparacello, a bioarchaeologist at the University of Cagliari, explains that while early humans hunted bears, encounters with these animals were usually avoided.
The boy, known as “Il Principe,” was discovered in the Arene Candide cave back in 1942. Initially, researchers thought he experienced a severe injury before death due to significant damage to his bones, specifically in his shoulder, neck, and jaw. However, no formal analysis was completed until now.
Sparacello and his team studied the remains under a microscope, revealing that the boy had suffered not just injuries from a fall or accident but also signs of a bear attack. A distinct mark on his skull was consistent with a claw swipe, while evidence on his ankle suggested a bite from the bear.
Interestingly, a microscopic examination showed the boy survived for several days after the attack. This was quite remarkable considering the severity of his injuries. As Sparacello notes, it’s likely he wasn’t alone after the attack, as someone may have helped him during his last moments. The exact circumstances leading to his encounter with the bear remain a mystery.
The burial of Il Principe was rich with symbols. He was laid on red ocher, adorned with a shell headdress, and accompanied by various items like ivory pendants and a flint blade from southern France. This carefully arranged grave reflects the customs and beliefs of hunter-gatherers during that time.
The trauma and eventual death of the boy must have deeply affected his community. The elaborate burial might have been an attempt to honor him and acknowledge the tragic event. Researchers suggest that the ritualized nature of the burial was a response to the tragedy.
Looking ahead, researchers plan to expand their studies on Il Principe. They hope to conduct genetic tests to learn more about his lineage but will approach this with caution due to the significance of these ancient remains.
As science digs deeper, the story of this young boy’s life and death continues to unfold, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by early humans and their connection to nature. For more details, check out the publication in the Journal of Anthropological Sciences.
