A recent archaeological finding in the El Mirador cave at Atapuerca, Burgos, has revealed a disturbing act of cannibalism dating back more than 5,000 years. The remains of at least one person, including children and adults, were discovered with clear evidence of having been dismembered, cooked and consumed. According to the researchers, this episode of violence reflects the intention to metaphysically eliminate a rival group, beyond mere subsistence or traditional ritual. The team led by Palmira Saladié from IPHES has used advanced forensic techniques to analyze the marks on the bones, typical of butchery practices, as well as evidence of cooking, suggesting a deliberate and brief act of intergroup violence.
The complexity of the finding increases due to the dispersion of the bones in the cave, which had also been used as a pen for animals. Through radiocarbon dating, experts have determined that this act occurred in a very short period of time, despite the existence of a favorable climate for agriculture and livestock farming at that time. Strontium isotope studies indicated that the victims were locals and not outsiders, suggesting a conflict between neighboring communities. Although the exact motivations remain uncertain, ritual cannibalism or cannibalism out of necessity appears to be ruled out, leaning the conclusions toward an act of strategic and symbolic violence in the context of the social tensions of the era.
Read the full news article on The Country.
