Ancient human relative cannibalized both adults and children in a cave in Spain 850,000 years ago, fossils reveal

The prevailing historical consensus that early hominins primarily targeted children for cannibalism has been challenged by new findings at the Gran Dolina site. Analysis of 24 additional fossils now confirms that adults were also victims of this practice roughly 850,000 years ago. Researchers identified distinct cut marks on adult bones, proving the behavior was not limited to adolescents or juveniles as previously theorized.

Data from ScienceBlog.com and other outlets indicate these remains were located in the Aurora layer, bringing the minimum individual count identified at the site to between 13 and 15 people. Live Science, Gizmodo, and Archaeology News Online Magazine underscore that this discovery fundamentally alters the interpretation of Homo antecessor dietary habits and social behaviors during this period. While the fossils provide physical evidence of the consumption of both adults and children, the specific social or environmental pressures that triggered these events remain undefined.

Whether this behavior was a regular occurrence or an isolated response to extreme conditions is a point of ongoing investigation as experts continue to examine the site's record.