A History of Cannibalism

Cannibalism is the oldest taboo in the world. But in ancient times it was integral to existence in some societies and viewed as both necessary and socially acceptable. Throughout history there have been instances of humans who, finding themselves in extremis , are forced to eat companions out of sheer desperation in order to survive. Do we reserve judgement in these circumstances, or is this behaviour simply an indication of the brutality that simmers under the surface of human civilization? A H