Prehistoric Mass Grave in Serbia Shows Targeted Killing of Women, Children

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of a deliberate mass killing targeting women and children in one of Europe's largest prehistoric mass graves, dating back about 2,800 years to the Early Iron Age in northern Serbia. The burial site at Gomolava, located roughly 35 miles west of Belgrade in the Carpathian Basin, contains the remains of 77 individuals, with the majority being females and young people, suggesting a calculated act of violence amid regional conflicts over land and resources.

The grave, excavated decades ago and recently reanalyzed using advanced techniques, reveals a scene of brutality followed by ritualistic care. Of the 72 individuals whose biological sex could be determined, 51 were female, accounting for about 71 percent. Among all victims, 51 were children and adolescents, with 40 under age 12 and 11 between 13 and 19. Only one male infant was identified, and the remains of 24 adults included just a handful of males. Skeletal examinations showed unhealed injuries consistent with violence, primarily to the head from bludgeoning and stabbing, along with defensive wounds and some evidence of projectiles. These marks indicate close-contact assaults with...