Evidence of Cannibalism Found in Ancient Europe; Experts Reveal There Was 'Nutritional Exploitation of the Bodies'

Recently researchers have found evidence indicating cannibalism in ancient Europeans. The assertion was made based on the skeletons analyzed from Maszycka Cave in Poland, stated Live Science. Archaeologists examined 53 bones in total from the site. The remains date back to 18,000 years ago in the Magdalenian period of Europe and showcase some peculiar patterns. Findings regarding the fossils from Maszycka Cave have been published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Examination indicated that the bones belonged to around ten people in total. Among the ten individuals, six were possibly adults while four were children, as per researchers. Analysis of the remains made experts conclude that the ears of these victims were removed, after which their brains were extracted. Researchers claimed that the cuts noted on the skulls could only happen if the subject went through defleshing, scalping, and removing of the ears and jaws. The fractures on the cranial structures also pointed towards the skulls being broken, to take out the brains. Proof of butchering was also spotted on leg, shoulder, and arm bones. The investigation also showcased that the bones were manipulated after the victim's death, which made researchers speculate cannibalism.

Experts applied advanced 3D microscopy techniques on the bones, which helped them to observe cut marks and fractures on 68% of the bones. The same methodology also aided them in ruling out reasons like carnivorous animals and accidental trampling, as reasons behind the patterns. This made them conclude, that the implied cannibalism was the work of human ancestors.

Seeing the condition of the remains, researchers also speculated that the ancestors possibly were intentional with the parts they were taking out for eating. "The location and frequency of the cut marks and the intentional fracturing of the skeleton clearly show nutritional exploitation of the bodies," said study lead author Francesc Marginedas, a doctoral student at the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution (IPHES). The markings found on the bones indicated that ancestors were extracting parts that were high in calories, or which were believed to be most nutritious. The parts they seemed to prioritize included bone marrow, brain, and muscles. 

On the topic of why the ancestors were participating in cannibalism, experts were divided into two opinions. Some thought it could be a part of their tradition, while others believed the ancestors participated for their survival. "In prehistoric contexts, it could be in response to survival needs or to ritual practices, or even to the dynamics of intergroup violence," study co-author Palmira Saladié, a researcher at IPHES said.

Considering that these victims of cannibalism were not buried respectfully, and no other evidence of such instances was found nearby, the study claimed that the corpses could have been victims of "warfare cannibalism." The age of the victims suggests that they were all part of the same family. The team believes they were attacked, killed, and then cannibalized by their assailants. Other ancient European sites have also displayed evidence of cannibalism, which implies that it was a popular custom, during the Magdalenian period. The human remains were intermingled with animal remains, stated the New York Post. Researchers believed this was because, the human remains and animal fossils were part of an arranged dinner, in which friends and families participated, as a means of support during lean times.