Eating the competition? New evidence suggests Neolithic farmers cannibalized enemies
Paul Arnold
contributing writer
Gaby Clark
scientific editor
Robert Egan
associate editor
Slicing, chopping and bite and cut marks on human remains from 5,700 years ago suggest that cannibalism may have been a common practice among our Neolithic ancestors.
Francesc Marginedas at the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution (IPHES) in Tarragona, Spain, and colleagues studied more than 600 bones and fragments from 11 well-preserved skeletons of adults, adolescents and children. They were found in El Mirador Cave in the Atapuerca mountains and date to the Late Neolithic period (about 6,500 to 5,000 years ago).
The work is in the journal Scientific Reports.
What the bones reveal
Microscopy analysis revealed signs of cannibalism on all of the bones studied. Specifically, the researchers noted signs of butchery on 69 bones and chop marks on several others, indicating that skin and muscle had been sliced off. Some bones were translucent with slightly rounded edges, suggesting they had been boiled. Further evidence includes some of the larger bones being cracked open, most likely to get at the marrow.
According to the scientists, cannibalism took place after death. The bodies were skinned, and their limbs were separated before being cooked and eaten, possibly over a few days. So why did our ancient ancestors eat each other? Necessity, or was there a darker, more gruesome purpose?
Ancient cannibalism is difficult to interpret because it can be hard to determine the motive, and evidence is often sparse or ambiguous at best. However, the scientists have ruled out emergency survival due to a lack of food, as there were no signs of scarcity in the region at the time. They also believe it wasn't part of funerary practices or other rituals, as nothing similar has been found in the area.
The bones in this study are thought to be from one family or an extended family, and researchers believe a neighboring group wiped them out in a single event. "The current findings suggest that cannibalism may be linked to intergroup violence during late prehistoric periods," write the researchers in their paper. This is supported by evidence of other Neolithic massacres in Spain, France and Germany.
More than just farmers
El Mirador cave, where the bones were found, is a treasure trove of archaeological remains. Previous discoveries include ceremonial skull caps and evidence of Bronze Age cannibalism.
This latest study, along with earlier findings, is challenging the common image of the Neolithic as an era of farmers coexisting peacefully. Instead, it suggests a more violent and conflict-ridden existence.
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More information: Palmira Saladié et al, Evidence of neolithic cannibalism among farming communities at El Mirador cave, Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain, Scientific Reports (2025).
Journal information: Scientific Reports
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