Rate of violence began to skyrocket as early humans moved into cities, fractured skull remains reveal

Transitioning from small communities to well-structured cities undoubtedly marked a perplexing juncture in the history of early humans. Remarkably, recent research reveals that this phase was also synonymous with an increase in violent incidents!

While one might assume that the organisation into cities could have curbed violence among "civilised" early humans, scholars hold varying opinions on the matter. Some even contend that congregating in densely populated urban areas may have triggered a surge in interpersonal violence, particularly considering the growing disparities among the early denizens.

A new study casts a clearer light on this matter. By scrutinising 3,539 skeletons from regions spanning Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Turkey, researchers unveiled that many early inhabitants displayed signs of skeletal trauma. What's particularly intriguing is that these individuals resided in some of the earliest cities in Mesopotamia and the Middle East.

Joerg Baten, the project manager of the study, elucidates, "The ratio of interpersonal violence — i.e. of murder — peaked in the period of 4,500 to 3,300 years BCE and then fell back again over the course of the next 2,000 years." The violence was typified by severe skull fractures and injuries caused by weapons.

The Early and Middle Bronze Age, spanning from 3,300 to 1,500 BCE, was a period marked by burgeoning legislative frameworks, administrative structures, commerce, and cultural developments. The organisation played a pivotal role in helping cities thrive despite challenges like failing crop yields, while legal systems facilitated the resolution of interpersonal conflicts. Researchers believe that these factors contributed to a reduction in violence during this era.

Nonetheless, the era of tranquillity was short-lived, and as cities expanded, so did the appetite for conquest and conflict.

The subsequent Late Bronze and Iron Age, spanning from 1,500 to 400 BCE, witnessed empires coalescing and growing increasingly power-hungry. Their expansions wrought havoc upon various civilisations, leaving a trail of violence in their wake.

This upheaval was exacerbated by a 300-year-long drought in the region, leading to heightened migratory movements. Escalating resource scarcity and weakened institutions due to climate-related shocks significantly elevated the levels of lethal conflicts during this period.

While these findings contribute to the historical narrative of bygone millennia, they also serve as a poignant cautionary tale, reminding us of the consequences of failing to effectively address climate change.

The outcomes of this study have been published in Nature Human Behaviour, and the full article is accessible here.