Madrid, Spain: An astonishing scientific revelation has sent shockwaves across the globe. Archaeologists in Spain have discovered that ancient human ancestors, specifically Homo antecessor, practiced cannibalism on children approximately 850,000 years ago.
This startling evidence emerged during excavations in the Gran Dolina cave in Atapuerca, northern Spain. Researchers from the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution (IPHES) found a neck bone of a two to four-year-old child. The bone clearly shows cut marks, indicating the child’s head was separated from the body, much like an animal would be butchered for meat.
These remains belong to the human species Homo antecessor, which scientists believe could be a common ancient ancestor of both modern humans (Homo sapiens) and Neanderthals. According to archaeologist Dr. Palmira Saladié, “The location and method of the cuts are very precise, suggesting a deliberate and skillful act. The child was used as prey to obtain meat.”
While it’s already accepted that early humans sometimes engaged in cannibalism, this particular discovery is significant due to the evidence of children being consumed, which is both unusual and rare. Dr. Saladié added, “What we are seeing is that the deceased were treated in the same way repeatedly, not just on special occasions. This was not an exceptional event but a routine practice.”
Homo antecessor lived in Europe approximately 1.2 million to 800,000 years ago. They were shorter and more robust than modern humans, with a brain size of 1000 to 1150 cubic centimeters, smaller than today’s human brain (around 1350 cubic centimeters).
This new finding is compelling scientists to re-evaluate their understanding of early human life, death, and the treatment of the deceased. The discovery not only raises crucial questions about our past but also serves as a stark reminder of humanity’s incredibly complex and astonishing journey.
Humans from thousands of years ago were not like us neither in their thinking, their conscience, nor their ways of survival. While protecting children is considered a point of pride for humanity today, the struggle for survival in ancient times might have justified such ruthlessness. Undoubtedly, such discoveries open closed windows to the past, inviting us to view our history from a new perspective.
