Ancient wooden spears discovered more than two decades ago in a German coal mine may be younger than previously thought, potentially changing our understanding of early human hunting practices, The Independent reported.

The discovery, made in Schöningen, includes complete spears made of spruce and pine, considered to be among the oldest hunting weapons ever found.

Along with the spears, researchers also found the remains of nearly 50 horses, painting a picture of prehistoric hunting.

Initially dated to 300,000 years ago, the spears were thought to belong to Homo heidelbergensis, a human ancestor considered to be a common link between modern humans and Neanderthals. However, new research suggests that the copies may be younger, potentially placing them in the Neanderthal period. This raises the possibility that these sophisticated hunting tools were used not by Homo heidelbergensis, but by Neanderthals themselves.

This potential change in ownership could alter our understanding of the abilities of Neanderthals and their role in the prehistoric landscape.

But new analysis using a different dating technique suggests that the spears are younger, placing them at around 200,000 years old. The new age means that the hunting weapons may have been used by Neanderthals, according to a study published in the journal Science Advances.

Recent studies suggest that some Neanderthals interbred and reproduced with early humans. The balanced, well-crafted spears could help scientists understand what Neanderthals were capable of and how they worked together to hunt.

The spears are “quite sophisticated for something so old,” said study co-author Jarrod Hutton of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

However, it is still unclear why the new dating contradicts previous estimates. Archaeologist Thomas Terberger of the University of Göttingen said that further research is needed to confirm the age of the spears and who used them for hunting.

“For now, I find the arguments interesting, but not entirely convincing,” said Terberger, who did not participate in the new study. | BGNES