In the 1970s, archaeologists unearthed prehistoric human remains from a deep underground shaft in Somerset, England.
The latter two findings specifically suggest intentionality behind the butchering and cannibalism, according to the study.
With regard to the cannibalism, the researchers ruled out funerary rituals and hunger as potential motivators.
A Bronze Age skull exhibiting signs of trauma.Image: R. J. Schulting et al., 2024
What, then, could have driven this shocking act of prehistoric violence?
Cannibalism may have been a way to other the deceased, the researchers wrote in anAntiquitystatement emailed to Gizmodo.
This explanation, however, doesnt clarify the motivation behind the violence as a whole.
A child’s mandible, exhibiting cut marks. Image: R. J. Schulting et al., 2024
There is also no known genetic evidence of ethnic conflict.
Perhaps the plaguerevealed in the infected teeth of two children by previous researchmay have also worsened pre-existing tensions.
This situation is, unfortunately, familiar from more recent times, they wrote.
Examples of skull injuries. Figure by study authors. Image: R. J. Schulting et al., 2024
It paints a considerably darker picture of the period than many would have expected, Schulting explained.
At this stage, our investigation has raised as many questions as it has answered.
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