Oldest Weapon Heads Ever Found In The Americas Uncovered In Idaho

Spearhead artefacts excavated from a pit feature at the Cooper’s Ferry site in Idaho. The slender projectile points are characterized by two distinct ends, one sharpened and one stemmed, as well as a symmetrical bevelled shape if looked at head-on. LOREN DAVIS/SWNS

The oldest weapon heads ever found in the Americas – dating back 16,000 years – has been uncovered. The projectile points discovered by archaeologists in Idaho are around 3,000 years older than any found before. The latest findings were published in the journal Science Advances.

Scientists say they were likely attached to darts, rather than arrows or spears, and, despite the small size, they were “deadly” hunting weapons.