Alain BeechingThe researchers also reviewed skeletons found at other archaeological sites across Europe and identified 20 other probable instances of similar sacrificial killings.
The practice may have been relatively widespread in Neolithic, or late Stone Age, Europe, according to the study, published in the journal Science Advances last week.
The study said the actual number was probably higher but there was insufficient information about skeletons at other archaeological sites to draw firm conclusions.
The three skeletons were buried in a grave built in the style of a silo, where grain is typically stored, inside a wooden structure and surrounded by a trench.
At the other sites across Europe, men and children as well as women were also found sacrificed in this way, the study said.
Persons:
CNN —, Alain Beeching, ” Éric, Crubézy, ” Crubezy, Châteaux, “, Nicolas Senegas, Ameline Alcouffe
Organizations:
CNN, Italian Mafia, Paul Sabatier University, Saint
Locations:
France, Saint, Europe, Toulouse, South America