Martha et al.: One thing I am curious about is timing of the possible cannibalism. Is the working supposition that the girl died of natural causes and was eaten post-mortem? Or does the working research group have reason to believe that she was murdered (or perhaps helped along to her death after sustaining some illness or injury) for her flesh? I haven't seen anything in the mainstream news accounts that asks these questions, perhaps because they're too disturbing. But as scholars, researchers and historians (professionals or amateurs), we must confront these questions. Many thanks. T. Katheder (descendant of Robert Beheathland, one of the fortunate few who survived, probably because he seemed to be inseparable from Capt. John Smith). -----Original Message----- From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Martha Katz-Hyman Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 1:56 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [VA-HIST] The Starving Time Craig, it's not incredible that the physical remains were just discovered because the excavation process is so methodical and, when you're out there and have to interpret while you work, it takes even longer. Members of the list might want to look at the Preservation Virginia website page that has more details. https://www.historicjamestowne.org/jane/jane.php Note that her remains were found only last year, and that it takes time to do the conservation and analysis, plus make sure that everything is as airtight as you can make it before announcing the discovery to the public. I've found many of the comments very off-putting, but I think that's the way we deal with subjects with which we're very uncomfortable. Humor, of whatever type, diffuses the discomfort. I choose to think about how terrible that time must have been and how few the choices were that forced those still alive in 1609-1610 to make this decision. Martha Katz-Hyman Curator Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html