What To Know
- An analysis of ancient skeletons found in England reveals a chilling story of brutal violence that occurred 4,000 years ago.
- Unearthing the pastIn the 1970s, archaeologists discovered a site in Charterhouse Warren, southwest England, revealing skeletons that tell a tale of prehistoric brutality.
- Researchers propose it might not have been a widespread practice but rather an event-specific occurrence, potentially an act of revenge or retribution against an opposing group.
An analysis of ancient skeletons found in England reveals a chilling story of brutal violence that occurred 4,000 years ago. Nearly 40 individuals appear to have suffered violent deaths followed by horrific post-mortem mutilations.
Unearthing the past
In the 1970s, archaeologists discovered a site in Charterhouse Warren, southwest England, revealing skeletons that tell a tale of prehistoric brutality. A recent study published in ‘Antiquity’ showcases evidence of extreme violence during the Bronze Age. The findings suggest practices akin to torture or execution were prevalent at the time.
The analysis indicates that about 30% of skulls were fractured at death. However, this was just the beginning. The bones display various incision marks indicating numerous atrocities such as scalping, tongue removal, evisceration, and decapitation.
Gruesome details
The meticulous examination revealed an array of horrendous practices inflicted upon these ancient bodies:
- Scalping
- Tongue removal
- Evisceration
- Decapitation
Some fractured bones even hint at cannibalistic behavior, adding another layer of horror to these findings.
A rare glimpse into Bronze Age violence
This kind of post-mortem mutilation is exceedingly rare for the Bronze Age. Researchers propose it might not have been a widespread practice but rather an event-specific occurrence, potentially an act of revenge or retribution against an opposing group. As one researcher notes, “Such levels of violence often serve a social function; when enacted publicly, they play a role in shaping group identity and establishing social relations.”
The plague theory
The exact catalyst for this violence remains unknown. However, researchers have uncovered intriguing clues: dental analysis on two children from the site showed infection with Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague. This suggests that disease circulation within the community could have led to their annihilation.
