Researchers in El Mirador Cave, northern Spain, have uncovered evidence of Neolithic cannibalism dating back 5,700 years.

Skeletal remains of 11 individuals, including children, show cut marks, cooking, and human bite marks, suggesting the bodies were deliberately consumed after a violent conflict.

Experts believe this was war cannibalism aimed at erasing enemies physically and spiritually, rather than survival cannibalism, Euro News has reported.

The findings challenge the notion of peaceful Neolithic societies, showing they also resolved conflicts violently, though researchers emphasize this reflects cultural practices, not genetic predisposition.