At least 37 men, women and children were killed at some point between 2200 and 2000 BC, with their bodies thrown into a deep natural shaft at Charterhouse Warren, near Cheddar Gorge.
The first significant scientific study since the bones were unearthed in the 1970s has concluded that, after violent deaths, the individuals were dismembered and butchered, and at least some were eaten.
While many of the skulls were shattered by the blows that killed them, leg and arm bones were also cut away after death to extract the bone marrow. Hand and feet bones show evidence of having been chewed by human molars.
This story is from the December 16, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 16, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'I'm not good enough' Guardiola takes blame after Diallo stuns City
Pep Guardiola said he is \"not good enough\" after Manchester City fell to a dramatic late derby defeat to Manchester United which extended their dire run to eight losses in 11 games.
Wolves target Pereira after sacking O'Neil as head coach
Wolves aim to make a swift appointment after the club took action in their relegation fight by sacking Gary O'Neil yesterday morning.
This Was elite football reimagined by a robot With a hangover
It was deeply fitting Amad Diallo should decide this Manchester derby, mainly because for long periods he seemed to be the only person on the pitch not playing under heavy sedation.
Diallo drives United on to deepen City's despair
When Ruben Amorim oversaw his previous victory over Manchester City - with his old club Sporting in the Champions League - it was to push the reigning Premier League champions towards crisis.
Cucurella red mars win but Jackson keeps Chelsea flying
Keeping up the pretence that this is no title challenge is becoming harder for Chelsea to maintain.
Hürzeler left incensed by referee as Palace cruise
If Michael Oliver isn't on Oliver Glasner's Christmas card list, then the Crystal Palace manager may want to get one in the post before it's too late.
Maddison and Son on target as Spurs demolish sorry Saints
As a battle of the Premier League's two most idealistic managers, it registered as a no-contest.
Celtic eye treble after Maeda holds his nerve to settle final thriller
Six goals, 10 penalties, 11 yellow cards and the unmistakable whiff of controversy.
Skittish England collapse as O'Rourke keeps Kiwis on top
There is rarely a dull moment with this England team, although there are times when their bowlers must surely crave the odd one.
Russo keeps Arsenal's revival in full swing
As Arsenal's players lapped up the full-time applause, the sound of Wham!'s Last Christmas was ringing in the air while the travelling supporters gave their hearts to their interim head coach, Renée Slegers.
