A new group of settlers arrived in Jamestown in 1609. However, ships carrying enough supplies for the colony had run aground in Bermuda. The winter of 1609 and 1610 is referred to as “Starving Time.” Because of the increasing hostilities with the Powhatans, who decided to lay siege to Jamestown, many settlers refused to leave the fort in fear of being kidnapped or killed by the Natives and thus were forced to consume whatever was available, including various animals, such as horses, dogs, and rats, and leather from their belts or shoes. The settlers also exhibited cannibalistic tendencies, consuming deceased colleagues.
