Highly selective cannibalism in the Late Pleistocene of Northern Europe reveals Neandertals were targeted prey.

ABSTRACT: The Troisième caverne of Goyet has yielded the largest assemblage of Neandertal remains in Northern Europe with clear evidence of anthropogenic modifications. However, its skeletal fragmentation has long limited detailed morphological and behavioural study on the assemblage. In this study, we integrate palaeogenetic, isotopic, morphometric, and structural analyses of the long bones to assess the biological profiles of the Neandertals from Goyet and explore whether they present particularities that could shed light on the formation of this unique cannibalised assemblage. We identify a minimum of six individuals, including four adult or adolescent females. Compared to Homo sapiens and Neandertals-including regional specimens-the females from Goyet display short statures and reduced diaphysea

SUBMITTER: Cosnefroy Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12630619 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature