The word cannibalism originates from the Island Carib after unearthed 17th century legends suggested that the eating of human flesh was part of their culture (although this has since been debated).
Instances of human cannibalism have been documented all over the world. It’s been practiced in countries like Great Britain, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, the Amazon basin, the Congo and amongst Maoris in New Zealand.
But the original cannibals weren’t actually homo sapiens. Archaeological evidence suggests that it was practiced by other early hominins, with evidence of “de-fleshed” bones dating back 600,000 years.
And excavations of a Neanderthal site in Moula-Guercy have uncovered the parts of six Neanderthals, dating back 100,000 years and showing evidence of human cannibalism. The palaeontologists reported that it looked like the bones had been broken in such a way that they could extract marrow and brains, and tool marks showed the cutting of flesh from the bones of the thigh.
Among other works and etchings on tombs and temples, historians have tentatively suggested that cannibalism was part of certain human sacrifice rituals. According to Roman historian Cassius Dio, he personally witnessed the sacrifice and eating of two Roman officers with an oath sworn over their entrails.
Across Ancient Mesopotamia, it’s also speculated that cannibalism was part of the many sacrificial rituals that took place although there has been no scholarly consensus on this matter. If you want to learn more about human sacrifice in MesoAmerica, don’t forget to check out our video “A Brief History of Human Sacrifice: The Aztecs” next!
As we go forward in history, from Ancient to post 1st century AD, we see more evidence of cannibalism emerging.
#history #cannibalism #humansacrifice #aztecs
Scriptwriter: Natasha Martell – https://7strangethings.com/
Video Editor & Motion Graphics: Abhishek Sharma
Voice-over Artist: Stephen Lewis: stephenvox.com
Music: Motionarray.com
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