Overview

• Archaeologists in France's Rhône Valley discovered remains of women dating back to the Neolithic period, suggesting ritualistic murders.
• The positioning and conditions of the bodies indicate the victims were likely alive and forced into positions causing asphyxiation.
• Similar ritualistic practices have been identified across various European archaeological sites, indicating a widespread cultural phenomenon.
• The rituals, involving grindstones and strategic body positioning, were believed to bring prosperity or accompany high-status individuals in the afterlife.
• This form of ritual sacrifice is thought to have developed in the Mesolithic era and continued through the Neolithic period.