Cannibalism in the Medieval Period: A Reassessment

Medieval Cannibalism: Fact or Fiction?

Medieval Europe, despite its image of chivalry and religious piety, also witnessed disturbing practices. Prominent among these is the debated but persistent phenomenon of anthropophagy, or the consumption of human flesh.

A Complex Reality

Contrary to simplistic characterizations of barbarism, documented instances of cannibalism during this period reveal a complex interplay of religious belief, medical practices, and the harsh realities of survival.

Famine and Survival

Accounts frequently emerge during periods of severe famine, such as the Great Famine of 1315-1317, which devastated much of Northern Europe. Widespread crop failure and starvation reportedly led desperate populations to consume not only animals but also the corpses of the recently deceased. While definitive proof remains elusive due to the often sensationalized nature of historical accounts, skeletal remains exhibiting cut marks consistent with butchering, unearthed at archaeological sites from this era, offer grim corroboration. These acts, born of desperation, underscore the vulnerability of societal norms in the face of existential threats.

Medical Practices and the Consumption of Mummies

Beyond survival-driven cannibalism, a more deliberate form of anthropophagy existed within medieval medical practices. From the 12th century onwards, the consumption of human remains, particularly imported Egyptian mummies, became relatively common among European elites. This practice, grounded in humoral theory, posited that ingesting human flesh could cure various illnesses. Powdered skull, known as Usnea, was believed to treat head injuries, while blood was considered restorative. The trade in mummified remains thrived, reaching its peak in the 16th and 17th centuries, fueled by a belief in its medicinal efficacy that lacked empirical evidence.

The Myth of the Enemy’s Heart

The popular notion of consuming an enemy’s heart to gain their strength finds limited historical substantiation.

Conclusion

The practice of cannibalism in medieval Europe was a multifaceted phenomenon, driven by both desperate survival and misguided medical beliefs. While sensationalized accounts may obscure the truth, archaeological and historical evidence points to a grim reality far more complex than simple barbarism.