Neolithic Cannibalism Evidence Found in Spain Decimates 11-Person Family

Archaeologists have uncovered strong evidence of systematic cannibalism dating back around 5,700 years in El Mirador cave, Atapuerca, Spain, involving at least 11 individuals ranging from children to adults. The bones show clear signs of skinning, defleshing, disarticulation, cooking, and marrow extraction, with human bite marks indicating consumption. Researchers believe this was not a ritual or survival act but an episode of violent intergroup conflict, possibly war cannibalism, aimed at completely eradicating an enemy community. The absence of signs of famine or nutritional stress and the simultaneous timing of the deaths suggest the victims were killed and consumed in a short, brutal event. This discovery challenges the long-held view of Neolithic farming societies as peaceful, showing that violent conflict and cannibalism were part of their social dynamics. The findings contribute to a broader understanding that cannibalism was more frequent and culturally integrated in prehistoric Iberia than previously thought.