CAVEMEN’s decisions on where to live in Europe were based around what kind of food could be found nearby, according to research led by the University of Southampton.

The study revealed settlements popular with early human ancestors, were full of foods containing nutrients vital for a healthy balanced diet.

Researchers compiled a database of plants and animals that existed during the time, to find out what nutrients were available in the landscape and predict the cavemen’s most-likely diet.

According to the research they would have sourced protein from raw liver, eggs, fish and plants like watercress, while fats could have come from bone marrow, beaver tails and eels.

The researchers gathered the information by identifying prehistoric sites in southern England, including Dunbridge in Hampshire, and northern France.