Spain cave discovery upends theory that ancient cannibals targeted children alone

Key Points:

• New fossil evidence from Gran Dolina cave in Spain reveals that Homo antecessor engaged in cannibalism involving both adults and children, challenging prior beliefs that only children were targeted.
• Researchers uncovered 24 new fossils dating back around 850,000 years, including bones from at least six adults with stone-tool cut marks and human bite marks, strengthening the case for prehistoric cannibalism.
• The findings indicate that Homo antecessor's diet included a variety of animals such as horses, deer, rhinos, and hyenas, suggesting cannibalism was part of a broader subsistence strategy rather than a sole food source.
• Ongoing excavations at Gran Dolina aim to refine understanding of early human behavior, emphasizing the importance of larger fossil samples to avoid misleading conclusions based on limited evidence.
• This research highlights the value of preserving archaeological sites and funding studies that can deepen knowledge of ancient human migration, diet, conflict, and survival.