Neanderthals ate outsider women & children 45,000 years ago: Study
The discovery of ancient human remains in Belgium’s Goyet cave system has shed new light on the behavior of Neanderthals, our extinct human relatives. A recent study has revealed that Neanderthals engaged in cannibalism, targeting women and children from other communities around 45,000 years ago. This shocking finding has significant implications for our understanding of Neanderthal behavior, social structure, and the dynamics of human evolution.
The study, which analyzed 101 bone fragments from the Goyet cave system, found that many of the remains showed signs of butchery, similar to those found on animal bones. The presence of cut marks, scraping, and percussion pits on the human bones suggests that Neanderthals were processing the bodies for food, much like they would with animal carcasses. The fact that the victims were predominantly women and children is particularly noteworthy, as it implies that Neanderthals were targeting vulnerable individuals from outside their own community.
The researchers behind the study believe that this cannibalism was linked to territorial conflict, which was exacerbated by the decline of Neanderthal populations and the expansion of Homo sapiens into nearby regions. As Neanderthal numbers dwindled, they may have become increasingly competitive for resources, leading to a breakdown in social norms and the adoption of more extreme behaviors, such as cannibalism.
The Goyet cave system, where the human remains were found, is a significant archaeological site that has yielded a wealth of information about Neanderthal behavior and culture. The cave system, which consists of several interconnected caves, was occupied by Neanderthals during the Late Pleistocene era, around 45,000 to 40,000 years ago. The site has produced a range of artifacts, including stone tools, fossilized bones, and other cultural remains, which have helped scientists to reconstruct the lives of these ancient humans.
The discovery of cannibalism at Goyet is not an isolated incident. There have been several other instances of Neanderthal cannibalism reported in the scientific literature, including at sites in Spain, France, and Croatia. However, the Goyet study is significant because of the large number of human remains found and the clear evidence of butchery and processing for food.
The study’s findings have significant implications for our understanding of Neanderthal social structure and behavior. The fact that women and children were targeted suggests that Neanderthals may have been more aggressive and competitive than previously thought, and that their social norms may have been more flexible and context-dependent. The study also highlights the importance of considering the broader environmental and demographic context in which Neanderthals lived, including the impact of climate change, resource competition, and the expansion of other human species.
In conclusion, the discovery of Neanderthal cannibalism at the Goyet cave system is a significant finding that sheds new light on the behavior and social structure of our extinct human relatives. The fact that women and children were targeted suggests that Neanderthals may have been more aggressive and competitive than previously thought, and that their social norms may have been more flexible and context-dependent. As scientists continue to study the remains and artifacts from Goyet and other Neanderthal sites, we can expect to learn more about the lives and behaviors of these fascinating and enigmatic humans.
The study’s findings also serve as a reminder of the complexity and diversity of human behavior, both past and present. While cannibalism is often viewed as a taboo or aberrant behavior, it is clear that it has been practiced by various human societies throughout history, often in response to environmental or social stressors. As we continue to explore and understand the evolution of human behavior, we must be prepared to confront and explain the full range of human experiences, including those that may be uncomfortable or challenging to consider.
Source:
https://phys.org/news/2025-11-neanderthal-women-children-victims-cannibalism.html
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