Archaeological researchers have discovered dozens of headless human skeletons in a ditch in Slovakia that date back approximately 7,000 years, according to a recent study.

The remains were found during excavations at an archaeological site, though researchers have not yet determined the specific location within Slovakia where the discovery was made. The skeletons appear to have been deliberately decapitated, based on the systematic absence of skulls from the burial site.

The discovery dates to the Neolithic period, a time when agricultural communities were becoming established across Europe. The practice of removing heads from the deceased was not uncommon during this era, though the reasons behind such burial customs remain a subject of scholarly debate.

Researchers are continuing to analyze the remains to better understand the circumstances surrounding the burials and what they might reveal about the social and religious practices of these ancient communities. The systematic arrangement of the bodies in a ditch suggests the burials were intentional rather than the result of violence or warfare.

Further investigation of the site may provide additional clues about the people who lived in the region during this period and their burial traditions.