Ancient Europeans Practiced Cannibalistic Funeral Rituals, Study Reveals
Cannibalism was a common funerary practice among Magdalenian human groups in northwestern Europe around 15,000 years ago, according to research from London's Natural History Museum. The study analyzed archaeological and genetic evidence, revealing consistent signs of chew marks and bone manipulation. The discovery was made at Gough's Cave in Cheddar Gorge, known for its Paleolithic artifacts. The cannibalistic behavior was likely part of a funerary ritual rather than a necessity. The practice eventually died out due to population replacement by Epigravettian groups who practiced standard burials.