78 Neolithic skeletons found, 77 headless, in Slovakia

Archaeologists have uncovered a perplexing mass burial site in Slovakia containing dozens of headless skeletons, a discovery that is prompting a reevaluation of ritual practices among Europe's earliest farming communities. The remains, dating back approximately 7,000 years, were found in a ditch surrounding part of the Neolithic settlement of Vráble.

Excavations since 2022 have revealed the remains of at least 78 individuals deposited near an entrance to an enclosed section of the settlement. Of these, 77 were missing their skulls. Only the skeleton of a child was found with its head intact. The bodies were placed in various positions—some on their backs, others face down, and several overlapping—with no consistent orientation or obvious pattern.

Initially, the scene suggested evidence of a massacre. However, a new study published in the journal Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society argues the findings point toward complex burial rituals rather than large-scale violence. Led by researchers from Kiel University and the Slovak Academy of Sciences, the analysis indicates the skulls were carefully removed after death.

Biological anthropologist Katharina Fuchs stated that initial...