'Dark events' from thousands of years ago revealed in excavations

According to findings unearthed by archaeologists, invaders from around Paris were captured by the local population, tortured, and brutally murdered in public.

A newly published study examined the remains of 82 individuals dating between 4300 and 4150 BC.

MASSACRE AT VICTORY CELEBRATIONS

Some had their left arms or hands cut off, suggesting that the dead may have been tortured to death as part of post-war "victory" rituals.

"Lower limbs were deliberately broken, the bodies showed signs of blunt trauma, and some skulls showed puncture marks. This suggests that the victims may have been publicly displayed," said osteoarchaeologist Teresa Fernández-Crespo, co-author of the study.

Invaders were sacrificed

Researchers analyzed chemical traces in the teeth and bones of the graves to understand the origins of the individuals. The mutilated individuals were non-local, likely from the Paris area.

The diversity of food sources suggests that these individuals may have been nomads. However, all remaining bodies belonged to local people, suggesting they lost their lives in self-defense.

VIOLENCE TURNED INTO THEATRE

Fernández-Crespo stated that these practices were part of post-war ceremonies and were aimed at “dehumanizing the prisoners in front of society.”

The fact that the grave pits are located in the middle of the settlement proves that these events took place in public.

CONTINENT-WIDE CRISIS

German archaeologist Detlef Gronenborn, who was not involved in the research, noted that this period coincided with a period of great unrest and conflict across Europe.

It's thought that population movements from southern France may have fueled the conflict. Similarly, Linda Fibiger from Scotland said the discovery provides a significant window into Neolithic violence.

According to the study, while injuries to the head were generally seen in the Neolithic period, torture targeting the entire body is noteworthy in these pits.

Researchers note that this dose of violence can be interpreted not only as revenge and deterrence, but also as part of a ritual within the community.

Researchers say these findings may be the earliest "post-war victory celebration" ritual in European history.

Being able to distinguish between invaders and indigenous people through chemical analysis is crucial for understanding the nature of violence in the Neolithic period.