New archaeological findings point to a grim chapter in early British prehistory, revealing evidence of cannibalism dating back nearly 4,000 years. Researchers have uncovered what is described as the bloodiest massacre in British history—a horrific event in rural Somerset that occurred around 2,200 to 2,000 BC.
The site, initially discovered about 50 years ago, contains human remains marked by cut marks, shattered skulls, and signs of chewing, suggesting both violent mass murder and cannibalism. Recent investigations reviewed approximately 3,000 fragmented bones believed to belong to at least 37 individuals—men, women, and children—who suffered fatal violence.
The discovery represents the largest known instance of interpersonal violence in prehistoric Britain. Notably, nearly half of the remains were from teenagers and children, indicating an entire community may have been devastated in one brutal occurrence. The bones were discovered thrown into a 15-meter-deep limestone shaft and displayed numerous signs of butchery, including defleshing, disarticulation, and marrow extraction, alongside evidence of human chew marks.
Why Were These People Killed?
Experts suggest that the motivations behind this violence were not driven by resource scarcity or hunger, as cattle bones found alongside human remains indicate sufficient food availability. There is no evidence of competition for resources or significant climatic changes in the region at that time. Furthermore, the absence of genetic proof linking different groups in the area suggests that ethnic or interpersonal conflict could have driven the massacre. Blunt force trauma to the skulls implies the victims were intentionally targeted, and a lack of defensive injuries indicates they were likely caught by surprise.
Lead author of the study, Rick J. Schulting, asserts that such archaeological investigations provide valuable insights into the nature of human violence throughout history. He speculates that factors like theft, particularly of cattle, or social disputes might have escalated into violent retribution.
“Such extreme violence is unlikely to have been an isolated incident,” Schulting says. “It could have triggered cycles of revenge among the victims’ families and communities.”
Implications for Early Bronze Age Society
These findings challenge previously held perceptions of the early Bronze Age as a predominantly peaceful era. Spanning from roughly 2500 to 800 BC, this period is noted for advances in metalworking, agriculture, and trade. Previous excavations revealed few skeletons with injuries from this era, suggesting limited violence; however, by examining the new evidence, researchers are uncovering the potential for large-scale conflict during that time.
Evidence of illness, including signs of plague in the teeth of two children, indicates that disease may have heightened social tensions.
Cannibalism in Historical Context
Cannibalism, while not a widespread cultural practice, has been documented sporadically throughout history. Studies of prehistoric European sites indicate that cannibalism was identified in fewer than 10% of assemblages, typically associated with specific rituals or survival situations. For instance, Gough’s Cave near Charterhouse Warren presents evidence of ritualistic cannibalism, including the creation of “skull cups” from human remains for ceremonial purposes.
Globally, ritual and survival cannibalism have been reported among ancient Mesoamerican civilizations like the Aztecs and Indigenous groups such as the Fore people of Papua New Guinea, where it was practiced as part of mortuary rituals.
Overall, these archaeological findings provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of human behavior and societal structures in early Bronze Age Britain, revealing a darker narrative that challenges previously simplistic views of this historical period.
Credit: Aljazeera
