5,600-year-old human remains show evidence of cannibalism

Finally, a study published in Scientific Reports on Thursday unveiled evidence of Neolithic cannibalism in northern Spain.

Researchers examined human remains found in El Mirador cave.

The remains from 11 individuals including adults, adolescents, and children date back roughly 5,600 years.

Their bones displayed cut marks, human bite marks, fractures consistent with marrow extraction, and signs of boiling, suggesting that the remains were skinned, defleshed, cooked, and consumed.

Researchers speculate that a single act of intergroup violence caused the cannibalization, and there were no signs of ritual or famine that might otherwise explain the event.