JOURNAL ARTICLE

Headless bodies hint at why Europe's first farmers vanished.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2025. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Curry, Andrew 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the discovery of numerous headless skeletons in Vráble, Slovakia, which may provide insights into the violent end of the Linear Pottery culture (LBK), one of Europe's first farming communities. Archaeologists have unearthed at least 85 skeletons, primarily lacking heads, in a mass grave that suggests a significant and mysterious act of violence around 5000 B.C.E. This period coincides with the abrupt disappearance of LBK settlements across Europe, challenging previous notions of a peaceful prehistoric society. The findings at Vráble, alongside other mass graves, indicate a potential cultural collapse marked by ritualistic violence, raising questions about the social dynamics and crises faced by these early agriculturalists. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2025/11, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Publication Date:2025
  • Accession Number:189530578
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