Researchers have long examined the mass grave at Charterhouse Warren, but a fresh analysis has revealed that the bones belong to at least 37 individuals who were likely killed and consumed, offering a disturbing glimpse into prehistoric rituals.
A Gruesome Revelation: Evidence of Cannibalism in Bronze Age Mass Grave
A Gruesome Revelation: Evidence of Cannibalism in Bronze Age Mass Grave
New study uncovers shocking details surrounding the Bronze Age remains found in England, suggesting ritualistic cannibalism.
The findings from Charterhouse Warren in southwest England, where bones have rested unearthed for over 50 years, are unsettling. A fresh study unveiled that the remains—thousands of them—reveal signs of violent trauma and cuts indicative of butcher-like treatment.
Discovered by cavers in 1970, the grave previously appeared to contain a random assortment of Bronze Age remains, intermingled with animal skeletons. Nonetheless, recent research published in Antiquity journal changes the narrative entirely. Archaeologist Rick Schulting from Oxford University, who led the study, expressed disbelief at the findings, noting the potential ritualistic nature of cannibalism—previously an unconsidered aspect of the time.
Charterhouse Warren's grave appears to date back to between 2210 and 2010 B.C., yet the archaeology here was obscure until Schulting's analysis brought it back into focus. The evidence collected indicates the brutal deaths of men, women, and children, suggesting a grim ceremonial event after the massacre. "We were completely taken aback; this is a shocking revelation for a period generally thought to be different," Schulting commented.
With the new insights, Charterhouse Warren may now hold significant implications for our understanding of Bronze Age practices, potentially reshaping how such violent incidents are viewed in the context of early human behavior in Britain.
Discovered by cavers in 1970, the grave previously appeared to contain a random assortment of Bronze Age remains, intermingled with animal skeletons. Nonetheless, recent research published in Antiquity journal changes the narrative entirely. Archaeologist Rick Schulting from Oxford University, who led the study, expressed disbelief at the findings, noting the potential ritualistic nature of cannibalism—previously an unconsidered aspect of the time.
Charterhouse Warren's grave appears to date back to between 2210 and 2010 B.C., yet the archaeology here was obscure until Schulting's analysis brought it back into focus. The evidence collected indicates the brutal deaths of men, women, and children, suggesting a grim ceremonial event after the massacre. "We were completely taken aback; this is a shocking revelation for a period generally thought to be different," Schulting commented.
With the new insights, Charterhouse Warren may now hold significant implications for our understanding of Bronze Age practices, potentially reshaping how such violent incidents are viewed in the context of early human behavior in Britain.
