Archaeologists Uncover Earliest Evidence of Human Cannibalism in Europe

A groundbreaking discovery in southern Spain has shed new light on the history of early humans. Archaeologists working at the Gran Dolina cave in the Atapuerca archaeological site have uncovered evidence that could point to the earliest known case of human cannibalism in Europe.

The team found a child’s neck bone with cut marks, believed to be around 850,000 years old. According to Greek Reporter, researchers have identified the bone as belonging to Homo antecessor, an archaic human species unique to Atapuerca. Analysis suggests the child was between 2 and 5 years old at the time of death and was likely decapitated and eaten.

Palmira Saladié, co-director of the Gran Dolina excavation, stated, “This case is particularly striking not only because of the child’s age but also because of the precision of the cut marks. This is direct evidence that the child was processed like other prey.”

Not a One-Time Act:
This discovery is part of a larger excavation where researchers found 10 skeletons in the same sediment layer. Many of the bones showed cut marks and intentional fractures similar to those found on animal remains prepared for consumption. Researchers believe these findings indicate that cannibalism was not a one-time act but a repeated behavior among early human groups.

Over 30 years of research at Gran Dolina have revealed at least 24 cases of cannibalism. Approximately 30% of the human bones found in the area show signs of flesh removal or bite marks.