A newly discovered human cervical vertebra from the Gran Dolina site in the Sierra de Atapuerca in Spain, which dates to 850,000 years ago, has provided new evidence of cannibalism among early humans. The child’s bone, aged between two and four years, contains clear cut marks that researchers interpret as signs of deliberate decapitation.

Excavation work at level TD6 of Gran Dolina (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos). Credit: Maria D. Guillén / IPHES-CERCA

The IPHES-CERCA team, which is leading the excavation, is convinced that this discovery is proof of meat exploitation by members of the species Homo antecessor, including children.

Dr. Palmira Saladié, a researcher with IPHES-CERCA and co-director of the Gran Dolina excavation, noted the exceptional nature of this case. “This case is particularly notable, not only due to the age of the child, but also due to the precision of the cut marks,” she explained. The vertebra has incisions made with intent at specific anatomical points required to detach the head, and this is definitive evidence that the child was processed in a similar way to other prey.

The vertebra was among ten human bones discovered in July on level TD6 at the site, all of which were attributed to Homo antecessor. Intentional fracturing and defleshing marks occur on some of these bones, both features characteristic of systematic meat processing. Such features are similar to those on animal bones consumed by early humans at the site.

Detail of the cervical vertebra from a child aged between 2 and 5 years, with cut marks evidencing cannibalistic practices by other humans. Credit: Maria D. Guillén / IPHES-CERCA

Saladié noted that this is not the first time that such a practice has been observed. Nearly three decades ago, the same archaeological level had revealed the earliest confirmed evidence of cannibalism among humans. She explained: “What we are documenting now is the continuity of that behaviour: the treatment of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ was not exceptional, but repeated.” As a taphonomy expert and specialist in prehistoric cannibalism, Saladié takes this new evidence as additional proof that early humans treated their ᴅᴇᴀᴅ as food.

The discovery also supports the theory that cannibalism may have been a method of territorial control, as well as sustenance. During the same field season, researchers discovered a hyena latrine with more than 1,300 coprolites resting on top of the layer where human remains were interred. The vertical proximity offers information about the alternating presence of carnivores and humans within the cave, reinforcing the compeтιтion between species in a harsh environment.

Moment of discovery of a Homo antecessor tooth over 850,000 years old at level TD6 of Gran Dolina (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos). Credit: Maria D. Guillén / IPHES-CERCA

The team believes that there could be additional human remains still to be discovered in the deeper, unexcavated parts of TD6. “Every year we uncover new evidence that forces us to rethink how they lived, how they died, and how the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ were treated nearly a million years ago,” concluded Saladié.