Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe

[Rokcet Scientist]

Ancient site reveals signs of mass cannibalism

Archaeologists have found evidence of mass cannibalism at a 7,000-year-old human burial site in south-west Germany, the journal Antiquity reports.
The authors say their findings provide rare evidence of cannibalism in Europe's early Neolithic period.
Up to 500 human remains unearthed near the village of Herxheim may have been cannibalised.
The "intentionally mutilated" remains included children and even unborn babies, the researchers say. [...]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8394802.stm

[uniface]

Race/Species Warfare.

[Rokcet Scientist]

Race/Species Warfare.

Got any clues there were different races in Europe at that time?
I don't.
Got any clues there were different species in Europe at that time?
I don't.
Got any clues the eaters were anatomically/pathologically different from the eaten?
I don't.
Until there are, "Race/Species Warfare" is sensationalist jumping to completely unwarranted conclusions, afaic.
Reminds me of the "WMDs" and the "Polish attack on Nazi Germany" (1939), uni...

[uniface]

For how many months have you guys been kicking the HN vs. HE vs. H-Whanever notions around ? Answer your own question, RS, since you've got the better handle on the list of candidates.

The picture you're painting isn't one of warfare.

It's one of annihilation.

What, in turn, engenders such behavior ?

It isn't petty squabbling between neighboring peoples.

Who recognise each other as, while perhaps annoyances, still people.

[Rokcet Scientist]

The picture you're painting isn't one of warfare.

Excuse me? I didn't paint any picture. Let alone of 'warfare'.

You introduced that notion!

Race/Species Warfare.

So it seems you're debating with yourself, contradicting yourself, even!

[uniface]

Up to 500 human remains unearthed near the village of Herxheim may have been cannibalised.
The "intentionally mutilated" remains included children and even unborn babies, the researchers say. [...]

Fine. The account you posted, then. Not 'you' painted on a technicality. The author painted.

[Digit]

Well 7000 yrs ago is 5000 BC, and currently there is no suggestion of any but a single species of Homo in Europe that late.

Roy.

[uniface]

Hinging on how "species" are defined. And defined-away.

Early taxonomists like Linnaeus (seeing the picture with different eyes) came up with, as I recall, between five and seven.

[Digit]

This subject came up in the TV programme we have discussed under TV. What bothers me is the evidence of 'defleshing' is being ascribed to cannabalism. That is not necesarily correct, defleshing of a corpse continued in Europe till relatively recent times. Columbus's body was defleshed and his bones buried.

Roy.

[Minimalist]

Agreed, Dig. Tooth marks on the bones would be more of an evidence of cannibalism than the mere act of cutting.

[Digit]

And frankly Min I have never yet heard of any such evidence.

Roy.

[kbs2244]

No coprolites in Europe?

[Digit]

No idea kb.

Roy.

[Rokcet Scientist]

No coprolites in Europe?

Plenty coprolites in Europe.
Only none mentioned (yet) associated with this mass burial ground.

[uniface]

I believe they call them "politicians."