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Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe
Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 8:54 am
by 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
Re: Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe
Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 8:59 am
by uniface
Race/Species Warfare.
Re: Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe
Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 9:09 am
by Rokcet Scientist
uniface wrote: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...
Re: Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe
Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 10:11 am
by 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.
Re: Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe
Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 10:23 am
by Rokcet Scientist
uniface wrote:
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!
uniface wrote:Race/Species Warfare.
So it seems you're debating with yourself, contradicting yourself, even!
Re: Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe
Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:13 am
by 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.
Re: Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe
Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 12:21 pm
by 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.
Re: Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 8:41 am
by 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.
Re: Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 9:24 am
by 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.
Re: Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:50 am
by Minimalist
Agreed, Dig. Tooth marks on the bones would be more of an evidence of cannibalism than the mere act of cutting.
Re: Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:33 am
by Digit
And frankly Min I have never yet heard of any such evidence.
Roy.
Re: Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 12:19 pm
by kbs2244
No coprolites in Europe?
Re: Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 12:43 pm
by Digit
No idea kb.
Roy.
Re: Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 4:50 pm
by Rokcet Scientist
kbs2244 wrote:No coprolites in Europe?
Plenty coprolites in Europe.
Only none mentioned (yet) associated with
this mass burial ground.
Re: Mass cannibalism in early neolithic Europe
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 8:57 am
by uniface
I believe they call them "politicians."
