Neanderthals cannibalized 'outsider' women and children 45,000 years ago at cave in Belgium

Live ScienceMonday, November 24, 2025 at 3:01:05 PM
NegativeScience
Neanderthals cannibalized 'outsider' women and children 45,000 years ago at cave in Belgium
  • Fragmented Neanderthal bones found in a cave in Belgium indicate that one group of Neanderthals cannibalized women and children from another group approximately 45,000 years ago. This discovery sheds light on the social dynamics and survival strategies of Neanderthals during that period.
  • The findings are significant as they provide evidence of inter-group conflict and cannibalism among Neanderthals, challenging previous notions of their social behavior and dietary practices. Such insights contribute to the understanding of Neanderthal culture and their interactions with other groups.
  • This development raises questions about the cognitive and cultural capabilities of Neanderthals, including their potential for social bonding and emotional connections, as suggested by recent studies on their behaviors, such as kissing. The ongoing debate about their possible religious beliefs further complicates the narrative of Neanderthal life, indicating a complex social structure that may have included rituals or symbolic practices.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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NeutralScience
Recent studies of ancient plants and animals have provided archaeologists with crucial insights into the habitats of the last Neanderthals, revealing their potential refuge locations. This research, highlighted by Michael Marshall, underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding human prehistory.

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