Evidence Suggests Cannibalism in Bronze Age Massacre Victims

Researchers have discovered evidence of an “exceptionally violent” assault that occurred approximately 4,000 years ago in Somerset, where at least 37 individuals were seemingly slaughtered and possibly consumed. This event represents the most extensive instance of inter-human violence found from early Bronze Age England, an era previously thought to be tranquil. Cavers discovered the remains of the victims in the 1970s. Specialists theorize that the ancient assailants cast these remains into a 15-meter shaft. Professor Rick Schulting of Oxford University states that the slaughter was likely motivated by an intense “desire for revenge,” and its consequences probably “echoed through generations.” According to him, the consumption of the victims might have been a ritualistic act intended to “dehumanise” them and to convey a message through “insulting the remains.” A team of archaeologists conducted an analysis of approximately 3,000 bone fragments recovered from the Charterhouse Warren cave system in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. Their assessment indicates that a minimum of 37 individuals perished, comprising men, women, and children. Adolescents and older children constituted roughly half of those who died. Given that early Bronze Age British villages typically contained between 50 and 100 inhabitants, specialists suggest this event could have amounted to the annihilation of nearly a whole community. The Bronze Age in Britain spanned from approximately 2500–2000 BC to 800 BC, a period characterized by the adoption of bronze over stone for crafting tools and weaponry. During this time, new farming techniques were developed, leading to the establishment of extensive and enduring agricultural settlements. The recently identified assault showed no signs of resistance, implying the victims were caught unawares. Marks from scraping and cutting on the bones point to the attackers systematically dismembering their victims with stone tools and probably eating them. “If we saw these marks on animal bones, we’d have no question that they were butchered,” Prof Schulting states. The researchers do not think the assailants consumed the remains due to starvation, as the fragments were discovered alongside animal bones, suggesting an adequate food supply. This extensive dismemberment of bodies represents the first recorded instance from this period. There is scant evidence to suggest that conflict during this era stemmed from disputes over resources. This observation led specialists to infer that the violence resulted from a significant deterioration in social relationships. Professor Schulting suggests, “This was something exceptional. This level of almost erasing the person, literally chopping them into pieces, seems like something you would only do if fuelled by anger, fear and resentment.” He mentions one theory positing that someone committed “something horrible that justified this in the eyes of those doing it.” Prof Schulting further states, “This is not a homicidal maniac. This is a community of people that came together to do this to another community.” He proposes that a culture of honor might have instigated the assault. Prof Schulting explains, “If you felt wronged, it was ultimately your responsibility to do something about it. It’s not like you could go to the magistrate and ask for something to be done.” He indicates that this appears to be a situation where “things cycled out of control and normal checks and balances failed.” This could have stemmed from a particularly hostile individual who would not “let things rest” or “had their own agenda.” He suggests, “If you have those kinds of people on two sides of a conflict, it starts to spiral out of control.” Historically, specialists have held the view that early Bronze Age England was not notably violent, given the scarcity of discovered conflict indicators. No evidence exists of weaponry such as swords or of defensive structures that would imply communities required self-protection. Prior to this finding, only approximately 10 victims of violent assaults from that era had been identified, according to Prof Schulting. The scientists stated their belief that this was unlikely to be an isolated incident, as “there would have been repercussions.” Prof Schulting suggests, “But at some point calmer heads probably prevailed and people got on with their lives and some sense of normality returned.” He warns against interpreting the attack as an indication that the past was “particularly savage and bloody” or that “we’re beyond all of that now.” He adds, “I hope it gives us insights into human nature that extend beyond just the Bronze Age.” The findings of this research are published in the academic journal Antiquity. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites; information regarding its approach to external linking is available.