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Spain cave discovery upends theory that ancient cannibals targeted children alone - Yahoo

yahoo.com

A Spanish cave find has shattered the idea that ancient cannibals preyed only on children — adults were on the menu too.

Predator-Prey TheoryRitual Behavior TheorySurvivorship BiasCultural Evolution
Spain cave discovery upends theory that ancient cannibals targeted children alone - Yahoo

Theory Briefing

  • Bones found in a Spanish cave show adult remains bearing the same cannibalism marks previously seen only on children, overturning a long-held theory.
  • The discovery suggests ancient cannibalistic practices were broader and less age-selective than researchers had assumed.
  • The find forces a rethink of why these groups practiced cannibalism — survival, ritual, and social control are all back on the table.