Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of the bloodiest known massacre in British prehistory: an episode in rural Somerset, England, that occurred roughly 4,000 years ago.The site, first unearthed about 50 years ago, contains human remains marked by cut marks, shattered skulls and human chew marks, suggesting both a violent mass murder and cannibalism, or anthropophagy (human-specific cannibalism).

Here's what to know about the study of those remains and how it reshapes our perception of prehistory:

What has been discovered?

In a recent study, scientists in the United Kingdom reviewed about 3,000 fragmented bones that were initially unearthed by cavers in the 1970s from Charterhouse Warren, a rural area in Somerset.

These remains, largely overlooked for decades, are believed to belong to at least 37 individuals -- men, women and children -- who were killed and butchered some time between 2,200 and 2,000 BC.

The discovery marks the largest known case of interpersonal violence from prehistoric Britain. Nearly half of the remains belonged to teenagers and children, indicating an entire community may have been wiped out in a single, devastating event. Advertisement

The bones, which appeared to be thrown into a limestone shaft 15 metres (49ft) deep, have numerous cut marks. There are also shattered skulls, and some of the bones show evidence of defleshing, disarticulation and marrow extraction.

Some bones also show human chew marks, indicating cannibalism.

The right lower jawbone of a child about 10 years old showing cut marks [Credit: Schulting et al 2024, Antiquity]

Why were these people killed?

It is unlikely that the violence was driven by resource scarcity or hunger.

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