A recent discovery at the Atapuerca archaeological site in Spain has unveiled a disturbing aspect of life for early European humans. Researchers found an 850,000-year-old cervical vertebra from a child aged between two and four, which bears clear cut marks indicative of cannibalism. This finding, located at the Gran Dolina site in the Sierra de Atapuerca, suggests that *Homo antecessor* not only consumed other humans but especially targeted children as part of their diet. Dr. Palmira Saladié, a researcher affiliated with IPHES-CERCA and a co-coordinator of the excavations, emphasized the significance of this discovery.

The precision of the cut marks suggests that the child was treated as any other prey would be. This case highlights a grim reality of survival strategies in prehistoric times, where cannibalism may have been a typical practice among certain human groups. This cervical vertebra is one of ten human remains found at the archaeological site, all belonging to *Homo antecessor*. Similar marks on other specimens confirm systematic meat processing, with distinct fractures and cuts that match those found on animal bones.

These findings contribute to a longer history of cannibalistic behavior at Atapuerca, where evidence of human cannibalism was first documented nearly three decades ago. Dr. Saladié noted that this treatment of human corpses was not an isolated incident, but part of a broader pattern. Additionally, the excavation revealed a hyena latrine containing over 1,300 coprolites above the layer of human remains, indicating fierce competition for resources between early humans and predators. Cannibalism within *Homo antecessor* might have been driven by resource scarcity, suggesting a structured survival strategy rather than merely opportunistic behavior.

The implications of these discoveries challenge romanticized views of early human societies, revealing that survival strategies included actions that are now considered repugnant. The sophistication in their cannibalistic practices implies advanced cognitive abilities and social organization, indicating these behaviors were likely culturally transmitted. The continuing excavations at Atapuerca promise to uncover more evidence, shedding light on the lived experiences of our prehistoric ancestors.