# Neolithic cannibalism research in Granada caves > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/neolithic-cannibalism-research-in-granada-caves > Updated: 2026-09-11T19:00:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Archaeological research conducted in three caves in Granada—Malalmuerzo, Carigüela, and Majolicas—has identified recurring episodes of Neolithic cannibalism in southern Iberia. An international research team, including the Instituto de Arqueología de Mérida and the Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social, published their findings in the Journal of Archaeological Science. By analyzing approximately one thousand human bone remains through radiocarbon dating, microscopy, and taphonomic analysis, researchers identified bone markings consistent with cutting, boiling, and percussion. The study determined that these practices were not singular or uniform events but rather three distinct episodes separated by time. The findings suggest diverse motivations for these behaviors, ranging from nutritional necessity and hunger to ritualistic practices, funerary treatments, or collective violence. This research challenges previous assumptions about the consistency of such practices in the Iberian Peninsula, highlighting a complex range of social and survival-based behaviors among early agricultural communities. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Granada caves reveal distinct Neolithic cannibalism episodes Archaeological analysis of bone fragments in three Granada caves reveals distinct episodes of Neolithic cannibalism in the Iberian Peninsula, suggesting varied motivations such as hunger or ritual. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/granada-caves-reveal-distinct-neolithic-cannibalism-episodes ### 2026-09-07: Granada caves research reveals recurring Neolithic cannibalism Archaeological research in Granada caves reveals that cannibalism was a recurring practice in Neolithic southern Iberia, driven by various social contexts and ritual or violent motivations. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/granada-caves-reveal-recurrent-neolithic-cannibalism-in-iberia --- Cite as: Neolithic cannibalism research in Granada caves. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/neolithic-cannibalism-research-in-granada-caves