A cave in Poland revealed a chilling secret about ancient humans: the fate of their defeated enemies is truly grim.

Among the people inhabiting Europe during the Ice Age, cannibalism was not uncommon. Analysis of remains from that era continues to provide us with growing evidence of this practice.

This specifically pertains to the customs of the Magdalenian culture, which existed around 18,000 to 12,000 years ago across vast areas from Spain to Romania. A new study published in the journal Scientific Reports highlights findings in the Maszycka Cave (Poland).

These individuals lived after the last glacial maximum, during a time when the climate began to improve gradually. They led a nomadic lifestyle, primarily moving in pursuit of herds of herbivorous animals.

However, recent research has uncovered increasing evidence that they practiced cannibalism, not as a desperate measure due to hunger, but as a cultural trait.

In the Maszycka Cave, the remains of ten individuals were found, including six adults and four children. Due to the scattered nature of the remains, researchers immediately suspected that the bodies had been dismembered, and further analysis confirmed this. Thus, additional research aimed to answer the question, "Why was this done?".

Marks of cutting, bone marrow extraction, and skull fracturing for brain retrieval were found on the bones. Scientists believe that if the "Magdalenian" people intended to use the skulls for rituals (for example, to make bowls), they would have treated them more carefully. Therefore, it seems that these ancient people were interested not in the skulls themselves, but in their contents.

Technically, there are three main reasons for a tribe to consume other humans — as a burial ritual, in times of hunger, and to demonstrate power over a defeated enemy. Evidence of all three can be found in various locations within the Magdalenian culture's habitat.

However, specifically in the Maszycka Cave, it likely pertains to the consumption of enemies — the bones were heavily fragmented, scattered, and mixed with refuse.

Researchers conclude that for the Magdalenian people, cannibalism was not unusual and was likely part of their traditions. Additionally, traces of human consumption have been found even when other animal food sources were available.

Recall that earlier, scientists discussed the taste of human flesh and why it should not be consumed.