A forensic investigation found evidence that in the former British colony of Jamestown, the territory which now belongs to the state of Virginia (in current U.S.), was practiced cannibalism. Evidence complement the accounts of the long winter of 1609-1610, the third experienced by settlers since the founding of the town, within a siege mounted by Indian tribes.
The drought, which had already been there for a few years, prevented the drinking water wells accumulate, although the colony was founded near the James River. Consequently, there was no food at all that messed served: were eaten horses, dogs, cats, snakes and rats, with some reports refer to the use of leather shoes. National Geographic estimates that 80 percent of the population died in this terrible winter.
In desperation, there was only one dish on the menu: human flesh. The forensic investigation begun by William Kelso (Jamestown Rediscovery project) and James Horn (Center for History of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia) confirmed the practice of cannibalism through the bony remains of a 14 year old, part of a skull and tibia .
English
bones were collected from a lot of bones of animals, especially horses and dogs, deposited in a building that, in 1609, would serve as a basement. The remains were sent to the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution (Washington) for analysis by Douglas Owsley.
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