Archeozoology is a branch of archaeology that focuses on the study of animal remains, particularly ancient ones, in order to gain insight into past human societies and their interactions with animals. The term is derived from the Greek words "archaios," meaning ancient, "zoon," meaning animal, and "logos," meaning study.
As an interdisciplinary field, archeozoology combines archaeology with zoology and other related sciences to analyze animal bones, teeth, shells, and other biological remnants recovered from archaeological sites. These remains provide crucial evidence about ancient animal exploitation, domestication, hunting practices, trade, diet, and the environment.
Archeozoologists apply various techniques to identify and analyze animal remains, such as taxonomic classification, bone measurements, age determination, sex differentiation, and the identification of marks or injuries caused by human activities. The information obtained from these analyses helps reconstruct the past, offering valuable insights into the economic, social, cultural, and ecological aspects of ancient civilizations.
Furthermore, archeozoology plays a significant role in understanding the evolution of human-animal relationships throughout history, including the origins of agriculture and animal domestication. By studying animal remains, researchers can gain insights into the role of animals in ancient religious rituals, art, and symbolic representations.
Overall, archeozoology is a dynamic field that contributes to our understanding of ancient societies and their interaction with the animal world, shedding light on the cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions of human history.
