In the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, where Iberian peoples lived in the 6th to 2nd centuries BC, and also in Central and Southern Europe among Celtic tribes, a horrific ritual took place: the decapitation of enemies. The decapitated skulls were treated in a special way and displayed as trophies, symbolizing the power and might of their owners. Such practices were observed in prominent locations, such as city gates or the walls of settlements. This is reported by "Around the World".
A recent study conducted by a group of bioanthropologists from the USA and Spain focused on 15 fragments of skulls found in prehistoric settlements in Catalonia, near Barcelona. The scientists, who published their findings in the journal Trabajos de Prehistoria, discovered that the practice of decapitation was more widespread in southern territories than previously thought.
Previously, evidence of such a ritual was found exclusively north of the Llobregat River, where the Indigetes and Laietani tribes lived. However, the skulls extracted from the settlements of Olerdola and Moli d’Espigol, which were located south of this river and belonged to the Sessetani and Ilergetes tribes, also show signs of this ancient practice.
The researchers found that the skull fragments found in Olerdola belonged to the same boy or adolescent aged between 8 and 15 years, while the remains from Moli d’Espigol belonged to three different individuals, one of whom was also very young.
It should be noted that the lower parts of the skulls were missing, which did not allow for direct evidence of decapitation. However, the scientists were able to determine the type and direction of the blows that were inflicted with sharp tools on the neck to separate the head from the body.
On the skull from Olerdola, traces were found that were left by a thin tool, likely a needle, indicating the removal of not only skin but also flesh from the face. Similar marks have previously been found on skulls from other Iberian sites, as well as on archaeological finds in France and the UK. This indicates an extensive practice related to the ritual.
Analysis of organic remains found on the skull fragments from Olerdola showed the presence of biomarkers of animal and plant fats, such as pine resin and oils. The scientists believe that these substances were used for processing the heads during the ritual.
Additionally, the specialists compared the composition of the soil adhering to the skulls from Olerdola with samples of the local fauna and flora, which allowed them to learn about the origin of the boy or adolescent. Isotope analysis of strontium showed that he was not a local resident, which may indicate that he arrived in Olerdola shortly before his death or that his body was moved there after his demise.
The discovered skulls were undoubtedly part of the decapitation ritual, as evidenced by their locations. In Olerdola, for example, skull fragments were found on the first floor of one of the two towers that marked the entrance to the settlement. The remains from Moli d’Espigol were found in a space that, although having an uncertain purpose, had a sufficiently unique architecture to be a symbolic place for the community, as the researchers note.
