Ancient Skull Cache Unearths Unique Ritual Practices from Prehistoric Italy

Science

1 year ago

News sources:

Credited from: NEWSWEEK

A significant **cache of skulls** discovered in a prehistoric village in southeastern Italy reveals evidence of ritual traditions practiced for centuries.
The **Masseria Candelaro site**, dated back to the early 6th millennium B.C., was occupied primarily for burial practices.
Archaeologists found that skulls were likely **collected over two centuries**, primarily from males, with broken bones indicating active interaction before deposition.
The study utilized **stable isotope analysis and radiocarbon dating** to reveal details about the individuals and the timeline for the collection of skulls.
Masseria Candelaro's practices are considered **unique in Neolithic Italy** due to the high number of individuals and the ceremonial reuse of settlement space for burials.

For more details, visit the original article.