• MAIN PAGE
  • LATEST NEWS
    • Lost Cities
    • Archaeology's Greatest Finds
    • Underwater Discoveries
    • Greatest Inventions
    • Studies
    • Blog
  • PHILOSOPHY
  • HISTORY
  • RELIGIONS
    • Africa
    • Anatolia
    • Arabian Peninsula
    • Balkan Region
    • China - East Asia
    • Europe
    • Eurasian Steppe
    • Levant
    • Mesopotamia
    • Oceania - SE Asia
    • Pre-Columbian Civilizations of America
    • Iranian Plateau - Central Asia
    • Indus Valley - South Asia
    • Japan
    • The Archaeologist Editor Group
    • Scientific Studies
    • Aegean Prehistory
    • Historical Period
    • Byzantine Middle Ages
    • Predynastic Period
    • Dynastic Period
    • Greco-Roman Egypt
  • Rome
  • PALEONTOLOGY
  • About us
Menu

The Archaeologist

  • MAIN PAGE
  • LATEST NEWS
  • DISCOVERIES
    • Lost Cities
    • Archaeology's Greatest Finds
    • Underwater Discoveries
    • Greatest Inventions
    • Studies
    • Blog
  • PHILOSOPHY
  • HISTORY
  • RELIGIONS
  • World Civilizations
    • Africa
    • Anatolia
    • Arabian Peninsula
    • Balkan Region
    • China - East Asia
    • Europe
    • Eurasian Steppe
    • Levant
    • Mesopotamia
    • Oceania - SE Asia
    • Pre-Columbian Civilizations of America
    • Iranian Plateau - Central Asia
    • Indus Valley - South Asia
    • Japan
    • The Archaeologist Editor Group
    • Scientific Studies
  • GREECE
    • Aegean Prehistory
    • Historical Period
    • Byzantine Middle Ages
  • Egypt
    • Predynastic Period
    • Dynastic Period
    • Greco-Roman Egypt
  • Rome
  • PALEONTOLOGY
  • About us

Did Early Europeans Consume Their Enemies' Brains?

February 21, 2025

Evidence of Ancient Cannibalism in Europe

A recent archaeological study suggests that early Europeans may have removed and consumed the brains of their enemies. Researchers analyzed human remains from the Magdalenian culture, a prehistoric society that lived in Europe between 11,000 and 17,000 years ago. Their findings, published in Scientific Reports, provide new insights into the potential practice of warfare-related cannibalism.

Marks Indicating Brain and Marrow Extraction

A team of researchers from institutions in France, Spain, and Poland used advanced imaging techniques to examine bones found in Maszycka Cave, near Kraków, Poland. They identified cut marks and fractures consistent with the extraction of bone marrow from long bones and brain tissue from skulls. These findings add to growing evidence that cannibalism was a known practice among Magdalenian people, either as a funerary rite or a violent act.

A Case of Warfare, Not Ritual?

Previous studies have suggested that ancient Magdalenians engaged in ritualistic cannibalism. Some sites have yielded human skulls modified into drinking vessels, indicating a ceremonial aspect. However, lead researcher Francesc Marginedas argues that this particular case is different. The lack of ritualized treatment of the bodies suggests these individuals were likely victims of conflict rather than part of a traditional burial practice.

“We see no signs of special treatment compared to other Magdalenian sites, nor do we find skull cups, which are typically linked to ritualistic behavior,” Marginedas explained. Instead, the evidence points to violence and warfare as the driving force behind these actions.

Advanced Analysis of the Remains

Using electron microscopy, researchers closely examined the bones, revealing human-made marks on 68% of the specimens. The remains belonged to at least ten individuals—six adults and four juveniles—who may have been related. Further DNA analysis is needed to confirm familial connections.

Although researchers have found gnawed human bones and skull cups at other Magdalenian sites, the Maszycka Cave findings suggest a different scenario. The study’s taphonomic analysis, which examines the post-mortem processes affecting bones, revealed clear evidence of butchering. The arm and leg bones showed signs of being broken and processed to extract marrow, a rich source of nutrients.

Debate Over Cannibalism

While the study presents strong evidence of human modification of bones, some experts urge caution before drawing definitive conclusions. Zoologist Bill Schutt, author of Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History, praised the research but pointed out that alternative explanations remain plausible.

“We don’t have enough information about the Magdalenian inhabitants of this cave to say with certainty that they were cannibals,” Schutt said. He suggested that defleshing could have been part of a cultural or funerary practice rather than an act of consumption. “Some cultures engage in post-mortem rituals that involve removing flesh from bones as a sign of respect.”

Unraveling Prehistoric Practices

Despite the ongoing debate, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of Magdalenian customs and survival strategies. Whether as a means of nourishment, warfare, or ritual, the processing of human remains sheds light on the complex behaviors of early Europeans. Future research, including DNA analysis and further site excavations, may help clarify the true nature of these ancient practices.



Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/12/science...
← Ancient Necropolis with 200 Tombs Discovered in Northern ItalyArchaeologists Discover First Pharaoh’s Tomb in Over a Century →
Featured
image_2025-05-09_030306046.png
May 8, 2025
Ancient Greek Inscription Deciphered 100 Years Later
May 8, 2025
Read More →
May 8, 2025
image_2025-05-09_025236871.png
May 8, 2025
Peru: Archaeologists Uncover 2,500-Year-Old Secret Chamber Used for Elite Drug Rituals
May 8, 2025
Read More →
May 8, 2025
image_2025-05-09_022553052.png
May 8, 2025
The Skeleton in the Vergina Tomb Isn’t Philip II’s, Father of Alexander the Great, New Study Finds
May 8, 2025
Read More →
May 8, 2025
image_2025-05-09_020358252.png
May 8, 2025
Scientists Discover the Explosive Origins of Gold — And the Answer Is Truly Stellar
May 8, 2025
Read More →
May 8, 2025
image_2025-05-09_013504372.png
May 8, 2025
Vikings Were Far More Violent Than We Thought, Bone Analysis Reveals
May 8, 2025
Read More →
May 8, 2025
image_2025-05-09_012726125.png
May 8, 2025
Peristeria Archaeological Site: Aerial Views of the "Mycenae" of Western Peloponnese
May 8, 2025
Read More →
May 8, 2025
read more

Powered by The archaeologist