Cannibalism in Spain Challenges Historical Accounts

Anthropologists are revisiting historical accounts of cannibalism after discoveries at the Atapuerca archaeological site in Spain suggest the practice was more widespread than previously believed. In 1979, anthropologist William Arens proposed that cultural cannibalism, driven by warfare or ritual, never existed, claiming it occurred only during survival situations like famine.

Arens questioned the reliability of early explorer and anthropologist reports, suggesting accusations of cannibalism served to denigrate other cultures and justify colonialism. However, evidence indicates Homo sapiens engaged in cannibalism regularly and on a large scale, not solely as a last resort.

Practices included honoring the deceased, seeking favor from deities, or absorbing the qualities of enemies. The debate over whether to condemn the practice continues, echoing Michel de Montaigne’s observation that definitions of “barbarity” are culturally relative. Further installments will explore the specifics of this practice.