A new scientific study has uncovered disturbing evidence that Neanderthals at a cave site in present-day Belgium may have practiced selective cannibalism, mainly targeting women and children from outside their group.
The discovery comes from a detailed analysis of human bones found in the Troisième caverne of Goyet, a cave system that has been studied for many years.
The remains are estimated to be between 41,000 and 45,000 years old, a period when Neanderthals were nearing extinction in Europe.
For the first time, researchers were able to build a biological profile of the individuals whose bones were found at the site.
These profiles showed that the victims were mostly female adults and children.
Additional chemical and genetic tests revealed that they did not belong to the local Neanderthal community.
Instead, they came from different regions, suggesting that they were outsiders who were brought to the cave after their deaths.
The evidence indicates they were likely used as a food source rather than being treated as part of a burial or ritual practice.
The scientists found cut marks and break patterns on the human bones that closely resemble those found on animal bones at the same site, such as deer and horses. These marks are typical of hunting and butchering behavior.
Bones had been cut to remove muscles, and some were broken to access the bone marrow, a valuable source of nutrients. This strongly suggests the bodies were processed and eaten in much the same way as hunted animals.
The research was led by an international team that included experts from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), the University of Bordeaux, and Aix-Marseille University.
Their work involved a decade of careful study, combining modern methods such as DNA analysis, radiocarbon dating to determine age, and isotopic testing to trace where the individuals originally lived. In some cases, the bones were highly fragmented, so the team also used digital 3D reconstructions to examine their shape and structure.
This period in European history was one of great change. Neanderthal groups in Northern Europe showed strong cultural diversity, and at the same time, modern humans (Homo sapiens) were beginning to appear in nearby areas.
The researchers suggest that competition over resources and territory may have increased tensions between groups. In this context, cannibalism may have been directed specifically at outsiders, possibly as a result of conflict, survival pressure, or both.
While cannibalism among Neanderthals has been suggested before at other sites, this study is unique because it identifies the age, sex, and non-local origin of the victims. These findings provide a rare and unsettling glimpse into the complex and sometimes violent relationships between ancient human groups.
