Stone Age hunters in northern Europe may have used poison arrows
A new Danish study suggests Stone Age hunters in northern Europe used poisoned small arrowheads to hunt large prey during the early Mesolithic period between 9000 and 3950 B.C.
Research examines ancient arrow sizes
Scientists analyzed stone tool technology from Denmark immediately before farming arrived in Europe. The researchers argue that the small size of these tips indicates they delivered toxins rather than relying on blunt force damage.
Poison allows smaller projectiles
Arrows without poison typically require larger heads to inflict fatal wounds directly on flesh. In contrast, a toxin entering the bloodstream requires only a minor wound to be effective against big animals.
Multiple toxic plants existed
Hunter-gatherers in early Mesolithic Denmark had access to several poisonous species including northern water hemlock and bittersweet nightshade. These plants provided the necessary toxins for hunting strategies that vanished after the poison itself disappeared.
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