A history of cannibalism

The earliest evidence of cannibalism was discovered in Gran Dolina, Spain, where about 780,000 years ago, six individuals were butchered.

Another important site is in Moula-Guercy, France, where evidence of cannibalism taking place 100,000 years ago was found.

Cannibalism stretched far and wide and evidence of its practice was also found in South Africa, 80,000 years ago, and in America circa 1100AD.

In more recent times the Aztecs of the 15th century in Mexico engaged in cannibalism.

Cannibalism, in the form of human sacrifice, was a major aspect of Aztec culture. Some archaeologists claim it was because of psychological and sociological factors while others claim they saw it as a necessary part of their diet.

There have been a number of reports of cannibalism as recently as the 20th century, notably in wars in Congo and Liberia.

Cannibalism has also featured in books and films, and has been associated with some serial killers.

The book 'Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors', and a film of the same name, told the story of the Uruguayan Rugby team, their friends and family, who were involved in an aeroplane crashed in the Andes mountains on October 12, 1972.

Of the 45 people on the flight only 16 survived, and over a number of weeks they had to resort to cannibalism to do so.

Jeffrey Dahmer, also known as The Milwaukee Monster and Cannibal, murdered 17 men and boys, many of whom were of African or Asian descent, between 1978 and 1991. He tortured, dismembered, and then ate parts of his victims.

Read more at The Telegraph