anthropophagi

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The plural form of anthropophagous, this is another term for cannibalism from the ancient Greek word anthrōpoϕágos, meaning “man-eater.” As this word is from a quote from Shakespeare’s tragedy OTHELLO, it is important to note that during the Renaissance, a period renowned for a resurgence in scientific exploration and empire building, when Shakespeare was writing, scholars were interested in the cultural practices of the peoples encountered during global exploration. These practices included cannibalism, among others.

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"Mappa mundi, showing an anthropophagous in the lower left quadrant, circa 1449" by Andreas Walsperger is licensed under Public Domain.

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