A study published in "Antiquity" uncovers a Bronze Age mass grave in southwest England that contained the remains of at least 37 people, suggesting they were slaughtered and possibly eaten in a ritualistic feast after their deaths.
Bronze Age Mass Grave Yields Shocking Evidence of Cannibalism
Bronze Age Mass Grave Yields Shocking Evidence of Cannibalism
Recent archaeological study reveals that 37 individuals found in a prehistoric grave in England were not only victims of violence, but likely consumed.
The discovery of a Bronze Age mass grave in Charterhouse Warren, southwest England, has sent shockwaves through the archaeological community following a recent study revealing that the remains of at least 37 individuals may have been butchered and consumed after their brutal slaying. Bones unearthed from a 50-foot ditch showed clear signs of horrific violence, including broken femurs and fractured skulls, indicating a violent end.
Initially found by cave explorers in 1970, the location garnered little attention, categorized simply as a typical burial site from the Bronze Age. However, the new research led by Professor Rick Schulting from Oxford University has unveiled a narrative that suggests a more extensive and grim ritual was at play. The study highlights that the bones date back roughly 4,000 years, specifically between 2210 and 2010 B.C.
Remarkably, the findings challenge previous perceptions of prehistoric practices in Britain. "It’s taken us all aback," Schulting commented regarding the unexpected nature of the discovery. The evidence points toward not only a massacre but also a possible ceremonial feast, a notion that deviates significantly from the norms understood in British prehistory.
Prior investigations into the site were insufficient due to the lack of trained archaeologists, which led to an incomplete understanding of the historical context surrounding these remains. The new focus shifts attention back to Charterhouse Warren, raising questions about the social dynamics, rituals, and violence present in Bronze Age communities.
As archaeologists dig deeper into the implications of this research, the Charterhouse site reinforces the complex realities faced by ancient societies, stirring intrigue and fear regarding the depths of human behavior that can emerge in times of conflict.
