Archaeozoological research on animal remains from excavations in Dongola (Sudan) in 2010
Archaeozoological research on animal remains from excavations in Dongola (Sudan) in 2010

Summary/Abstract: The faunal assemblage from the citadel in Dongola was analyzed with full application of the archaeozoological method thanks to the excellent preservation of the material (92.28% of 4070 bones identified from four chronological horizons). An analysis of the material from 6th and 7th century contexts (early Makurian kingdom) gave similar results: predominance of goat and sheep, followed by cattle and pig. Other species included Dorkas gazelle, antelope, big birds and small fish. The 13th–14th century assemblage (late Makuria) demonstrated a continued domination of goat and sheep, rising share of cattle and presence of camel and pig, as well as donkey, dog, Dorkas gazelle, crocodile, domestic hen, catfish and tilapia. In post-Makurian times (16th–17th centuries) sheep and goat remains predominated, cattle coming as a close second. Also present were camel, pig, donkey, Dorkas gazelle, domestic hen, mussels and catfish. A reconstruction of the animal breeding model demonstrated the growing importance of cattle. The drop in pig breeding could reflect socioreligious or political changes in Makuria. New elements in the economy of late Makuria included the appearance of camel and domestic hen, and greater interest in Nile fish consumption.

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