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Neanderthal Children Feasted On 45,000 Years Ago
1 Jan
Summary
- Bones in Belgian cave show children and women were cooked and eaten.
- Cannibalism victims likely came from outside groups, indicating exocannibalism.
- Neanderthals or early Homo sapiens may have been the perpetrators.
Evidence from Belgium's Goyet caves suggests early humans may have engaged in cannibalism involving Neanderthal children and women around 45,000 years ago. Researchers analyzed bones indicating that at least six individuals, comprising young females and children, were likely cooked and consumed. These victims appear to have originated from outside the immediate area, pointing to a practice of exocannibalism.
The demographic profile of the victims—women and children without adult males—suggests deliberate targeting. This behavior mirrors that seen in chimpanzees for territorial control or weakening rival populations. Scientists are exploring whether the perpetrators were other Neanderthal groups or early Homo sapiens, though evidence leans towards Neanderthal conflict.
This grim discovery sheds light on potential inter-group tensions during the late Middle Paleolithic period, a time of Neanderthal decline and Homo sapiens expansion. While direct evidence of Homo sapiens in the region at that exact time is limited, their presence elsewhere suggests possible interaction or conflict. The findings contribute to understanding the complex dynamics of human evolution and survival.
