Aurochs Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

This study examines the evidence for human‐aurochs relationships in the Mesolithic and Neolithic prompted by two assemblages from caves on the Yorkshire Dales. This involved primary osteological and biometrical analysis of aurochs... more

This study examines the evidence for human‐aurochs relationships in the Mesolithic and Neolithic prompted by two assemblages from caves on the Yorkshire Dales. This
involved primary osteological and biometrical analysis of aurochs remains from North End Pot and Cupcake Pot, determining that four aurochs and one aurochs were present respectively with a range of ages from a few months at death up to 3.5 years.
Biometric analysis was inconclusive when compared to a standard individual and a further group standard. The possibility of human involvement in the deposition was considered at length however no convincing evidence was found. This study suggests
that the deposit was more paleontological in nature, concluding it is most likely that the aurochs fell through the shaft entrance acting as a natural pitfall trap. This dissertation also examines human‐aurochs relationships in the wider context of ritual,
domestication, environment and increasing human activity in the Holocene. This will be evaluated and incorporated into assessment of various sites to determine the
nature of human‐aurochs relationships and inform the analysis and conclusions made
regarding North End Pot and Cupcake Pot.

The Tardigravettian hunters from the Baume de Goulon (Salernes, Var).- Contrary to numerous French regions, few sites of the Tardiglaciaire in Provence have sufficient faunal remains for a reliable paleontological and zooarchaeological... more

The Tardigravettian hunters from the Baume de Goulon (Salernes, Var).- Contrary to numerous French regions, few sites of the Tardiglaciaire in Provence have sufficient faunal remains for a reliable paleontological and zooarchaeological study. The assemblage from the Baume de Goulon (Salernes, Var) in this regard is an exception and allows us to reconstruct the ways of life of Tardigravettian hunters in eastern Provence. Twelve species are represented in the assemblage, mainly dominated by red deer and aurochs. Our study shows no intensification of red deer hunting, but instead shows diversification in favour of ungulates of medium (ibex, boar) and large size (aurochs). The Baume de Goulon represents a shelter that is strategically located close to a watering place and suitable hunting blinds, and can be interpreted as a series of small residential occupations.

The aurochs was a type of wild cattle not extinct in Europe until the mid-second millennium BC- so they must have co-existed for centuries with the domestic cattle which were to supplant it. Here the authors use stable isotope analysis to... more

The aurochs was a type of wild cattle not extinct in Europe until the mid-second millennium BC- so they must have co-existed for centuries with the domestic cattle which were to supplant it. Here the authors use stable isotope analysis to show what form that co-existence took: the domestic cattle grazing on the pasture, and the aurochs lurking in the forests and wet places.

Humans have an ancient connection with cattle, and cattle husbandry has been one of the most important economic activities across the world formany thousands of years, from prehistory until modern times.Thewild form, the aurochs (Bos... more

Humans have an ancient connection with cattle, and cattle husbandry has been one of the most important economic activities across the world formany thousands of years, from prehistory until modern times.Thewild form, the aurochs (Bos primigenius) was regularly hunted in prehistoric societies, before being domesticated in two separate events: one in the Near East (which produced Bos taurus), and another in India (which produced Bos indicus). Domestic populations have been exploited for a variety of different products in addition to meat, including the “secondary products” milk and labor. Several scientific techniques have been used to investigate the nature and evolution of human–cattle interactions. Zooarchaeological methodologies enable us to determine how important cattle were in the diet of different populations, what kind of products cattle were being exploited for, how and where cattle populations were domesticated and improved, and how cattlemeatwas prepared and distributed. Scientific innovations have also led to the adoption of new techniques that can be used in combination with zooarchaeology; stable isotopes have enabled us to investigate diet and geographical origin, and studies of ancient DNA have allowed us to trace domestication events.

The aurochs was a type of wild cattle not extinct in Europe until the mid-second millennium BC – so they must have co-existed for centuries with the domestic cattle which were to supplant it. Here the authors use stable isotope analysis... more

The aurochs was a type of wild cattle not extinct in Europe until the mid-second millennium BC – so they must have co-existed for centuries with the domestic cattle which were to supplant it. Here the authors use stable isotope analysis to show what form that co-existence took: the domestic cattle grazing on the pasture, and the aurochs lurking in the forests and wet places.

The aurochs was a type of wild cattle not extinct in Europe until the mid-second millennium BC – so they must have co-existed for centuries with the domestic cattle which were to supplant it. Here the authors use stable isotope analysis... more

The aurochs was a type of wild cattle not extinct in Europe until the mid-second millennium BC – so they must have co-existed for centuries with the domestic cattle which were to supplant it. Here the authors use stable isotope analysis to show what form that co-existence took: the domestic cattle grazing on the pasture, and the aurochs lurking in the forests and wet places.