A groundbreaking study of 7,000-year-old remains from the Neolithic period has revealed the surprisingly early technical mastery of early Iberian societies in archery. Archaeologists, led by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), examined artifacts preserved in the Cave of Los Murciélagos near Albuñol, Granada. The findings, published in Scientific Reports , showcase the earliest bowstrings ever found in Europe, alongside arrows crafted with extraordinary precision.
The preservation of organic materials in the cave—due to its dry conditions—allowed researchers to uncover artifacts such as bowstrings made from animal tendons, arrows featuring original feathers, and shafts coated with birch bark pitch . These discoveries shed light on the advanced techniques and resourcefulness of early agricultural communities in southwestern Europe.
Fragments of sinew bowstrings from the Cave of Los Murciélagos in Albuñol, the oldest bowstrings found so far in Europe. (© MUTERMUR Project/ Nature)
A Closer Look at Neolithic Bowstrings and Arrows
The discovery of intact bowstrings represents a pivotal moment in the study of prehistoric weaponry. Made from the sinews of three animal species—goats or ibex ( Capra sp. ), wild boars ( Sus sp. ), and roe deer—these twisted tendons formed robust and flexible ropes. The study confirms that Neolithic artisans possessed deep knowledge of local fauna and employed sophisticated methods to craft functional and durable archery equipment.
The arrow shafts further highlight the innovation of these societies. For the first time, archaeologists confirmed the use of olive wood ( Olea europaea ), reed wood ( Phragmites sp. ), and willow in arrow construction. This strategic combination created arrows with a dense, durable front section and a lightweight rear, enhancing their ballistic properties. Notably, the arrows lacked stone or bone tips, raising questions about their specific use—whether for hunting, close-range combat, or as non-lethal projectiles.
Birch bark pitch coated the arrow shafts, providing protection while possibly serving a decorative purpose. This combination of functionality and aesthetics underscores the artisans’ technical and symbolic mastery.
Insights into Early Iberian Neolithic Societies
The findings provide a window into the lives and skills of Iberian Neolithic groups, highlighting their resourcefulness in utilizing local materials. The integration of olive and reed woods and the precision involved in bowstring creation challenge prior assumptions about the technological capabilities of early farming communities in Europe.
“These discoveries redefine our understanding of Neolithic societies in this region,” says Raquel Piqué, a researcher in UAB’s Department of Prehistory and study coordinator. The use of advanced biomolecular techniques, such as protein and lipid analysis, allowed the team to identify the species of animals used for bowstrings and the chemical composition of pitch, offering new insights into material choices and manufacturing processes.
Broader Implications for Neolithic Studies
The discoveries at the Cave of Los Murciélagos not only enrich our understanding of early Iberian societies but also provide a framework for exploring Neolithic weaponry across Europe. The use of varied materials and meticulous craftsmanship points to a broader cultural and symbolic significance associated with these artifacts, especially given their funerary context.
By revealing the sophisticated techniques employed by early Neolithic artisans, the study challenges current narratives about the technological and cultural limits of prehistoric agricultural communities. It also opens new avenues for examining ancient weaponry in similar archaeological sites across the continent.