Ancient Polish cave reveals evidence of prehistoric butchering

According to a new article, Live Science unveils a recent study of ancient skeletons found in a cave in Poland which uncovered disturbing evidence of cannibalism. 

Human remains discovered in a cave in Poland have revealed that ancient European groups cannibalized the dead in an act of war. A new analysis of cut marks and fractures on the bones shows that people removed the ears and scooped out the brains of their vanquished enemies shortly after they died.

In a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers presented evidence of cannibalism found on 53 bones from Maszycka Cave, an archaeological site near Krakow, Poland. These bones, dating back 18,000 years to the Magdalenian period of European prehistory, belonged to at least 10 individuals, including six adults and four children.

Through advanced 3D microscopy, the researchers identified cut marks and fractures on 68 per cent of the bones, ruling out the possibility that the injuries were caused by carnivorous animals or accidental trampling.

Looking at two dozen skull fragments, the researchers identified cuts made from scalping, defleshing, and removing the ears and jaw. Additionally, fractures along the cranial sutures suggested that people were breaking corpses' skulls specifically to remove the brains. Further evidence of butchering could be seen on shoulder, arm and leg bones.

The researchers noted in the study that the significant number of bones altered after death strongly indicates cannibalistic practices, with people preparing and extracting the edible portions of the remains. Moreover, the pattern of cut marks and fractures pointed to a focus on removing the most nutrient-rich and calorie-dense areas of the bodies—such as the brains, bone marrow, and muscles—soon after death.

The exact reason for the cannibalistic behavior remains uncertain. "In prehistoric contexts, it could be due to survival needs, ritual practices, or even the dynamics of intergroup violence," said study co-author Palmira Saladié, a researcher at IPHES, in the statement.

However, archaeological evidence from Maszycka Cave suggests that this instance of cannibalism was not linked to survival. The researchers pointed out that during the Magdalenian period (23,000 to 11,000 years ago) in Europe, human populations were growing, making famine an unlikely reason for resorting to cannibalism.

The researchers believe this case of cannibalism is an example of "warfare cannibalism" due to the lack of evidence suggesting the victims were buried respectfully, and because the human remains were found mixed with butchered animal bones. They propose that an overpopulation of people and scarce resources during the Magdalenian period could have led to territorial conflicts and violent struggles for survival.

Regarding the Maszycka Cave skeletons, the researchers noted, "the age profile resembles that of a complete nuclear family unit, suggesting that they could have been attacked, subdued and subsequently cannibalized."

Additionally, evidence of cannibalism at other European sites from the same period supports the idea that this practice was a significant aspect of Magdalenian culture, whether directed at their own dead or their enemies.

By Naila Huseynova