Archaeologists have discovered the remains of at least 11 people who may have been victims of cannibalism in a cave in northern Spain around 5,600 years ago. The discovery suggests that a violent conflict between farming communities led to the mass killing and consumption of the family.
Researchers found evidence of cut marks, human bite marks, and fractures on the bones, indicating that the victims were skinned, defleshed, cooked, and eaten. The event is believed to have occurred during the final phase of the Neolithic occupation of the cave, when farming became more prevalent in the region.
The study’s findings, published in Scientific Reports, suggest that intergroup violence caused the apparent cannibalization, rather than a funerary tradition or famine. The researchers estimate that the event took place over a short period, possibly within a few days, and that it was likely the result of conflict between neighboring farming communities.
This discovery is not the first time researchers have found evidence of cannibalism at El Mirador cave. Previous excavations uncovered remains from six individuals with similar marks, but those were younger and from a different era. The new study’s findings provide insight into the violent nature of ancient societies and highlight the importance of studying human remains to understand our past.
The victims ranged in age from under 7 to over 50 and were likely a nuclear or extended family. The researchers note that conflict and violence are part of human nature, and this discovery aligns with evidence for widespread inter-group violence during the Neolithic period.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/stone-age-family-may-have-been-cannibalized-for-ultimate-elimination-5-600-years-ago-study-suggests