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Neanderthals Practiced Cannibalism Amidst Competition, Study Reveals

11/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers found cannibalism among Neanderthals in Belgium dating to about 45,000 years ago.
Analysis of bones from the Goyet caves shows the victims were petite females and children not local to the area.
The remains indicate butchering and belong to at least six individuals.
Exocannibalism may reflect competition and warfare among groups and increased violence after Homo sapiens arrived in western Europe, as reported in Scientific Reports.

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Story summary

Researchers found cannibalism among Neanderthals in Belgium dating to about 45,000 years ago.
Analysis of bones from the Goyet caves shows the victims were petite females and children not local to the area.
The remains indicate butchering and belong to at least six individuals.
Exocannibalism may reflect competition and warfare among groups and increased violence after Homo sapiens arrived in western Europe, as reported in Scientific Reports.