Question

What is the evidence for ancient exocannibalism (routine cannibalism for food) in Atapuerca Spain?

Answer 1

Archaeological findings in Atapuerca, Spain, including cut marked human and animal bones as well as Oldowan-style stone tools, suggest evidence of ancient exocannibalism. The systematic transportation of large animal carcasses back to the site, along with the specialized tools for processing meat, supports this hypothesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Evidence for Ancient Exocannibalism in Atapuerca, Spain

The evidence for ancient exocannibalism at the site of Atapuerca in Spain is rooted in the archaeological findings at the Gran Dolina location. Numerous homo antecessor bones exhibit cutmarks similar to those found on animal bones, suggesting that the flesh was stripped in a way consistent with butchering for consumption.

At this site, archaeologists have discovered both fossil bones with these telling cutmarks and stone tools, including a carved stone knife. Notably, many of these stone tools are of the Oldowan style, implying they were possibly used for processing meat—consistent with the cut marks on the bones. What further indicates a systematic practice of transporting food, including meat, back to the site is the finding of numerous large animal carcasses which were more likely to have been eaten at the location rather than where they were killed.

While there is an ongoing debate as to whether these cutmarks represent actual cannibalism, funerary rites, or another practice, the consistency and nature of the evidence lean towards the conclusion that these early humans practiced cannibalism. This is supported by the theory that bringing back large amounts of food to a central location likely indicates a division of labor and custom of food sharing among a social group.

Answer 2

The evidence for ancient exocannibalism in Atapuerca, Spain, comes from the archaeological site known as the Sima de los Huesos, located within the larger Atapuerca complex. This site has yielded a large assemblage of human skeletal remains and associated artifacts, providing insight into the behavior and practices of early humans in the region.

One of the key pieces of evidence for exocannibalism at the Sima de los Huesos site is the presence of cut marks and other signs of butchery on human bones. Analysis of these marks suggests that the individuals at the site were subjected to defleshing and disarticulation, consistent with practices of exocannibalism for nutritional purposes.

In addition to the butchery marks, researchers have also identified evidence of deliberate bone breakage to access marrow, as well as evidence of intentional burning of the bones. These practices are consistent with those observed in other prehistoric sites associated with exocannibalism.

Overall, the combination of butchery marks, bone breakage, and burning of bones provides compelling evidence for the practice of exocannibalism at the Sima de los Huesos site in Atapuerca, shedding light on the dietary practices and cultural behaviors of prehistoric human populations in the region.