Cut marks on dozens of canine skeletons found at archaeological sites in Bulgaria suggest that people were eating dog meat 2,500 years ago – and not just as they had no other options.
“Dog meat was not a necessity eaten out of poverty, as these sites are rich in livestock, which was the main source of protein,” Stella Nikolova, a zooarchaeologist at the National Archaeological Institute with Museum of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and author of a study published in December in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, told Live Science. “Evidence shows that dog meat was associated with some tradition involving communal feasting.”
Although consuming dog meat – a practice sometimes called cynophagy – is considered taboo in contemporary European societies, this hasn’t always been the case. Historical accounts mention that the ancient Greeks sometimes ate dog meat, and archaeological analysis of dog skeletons from Greece has confirmed those stories.
During the Iron Age (fifth to frist centuries B.C.), a cultural
Ancient Thracians Butchered Dogs for Food, Archaeological Evidence Shows
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Archaeologists have discovered compelling evidence that the ancient Thracians, who inhabited parts of modern-day Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece, routinely butchered dogs for meat between the 6th and 1st centuries BCE. A new analysis of dog bones unearthed at the archaeological site of Emporion Pistiros in Bulgaria reveals cut marks consistent with food processing, challenging previous assumptions about the role of dogs in Thracian society.
Evidence of Canine Consumption
The study confirms that dogs were systematically processed for consumption as a food source by the Thracians. Researchers identified numerous cut marks on dog bones, specifically targeting areas rich in muscle tissue.These marks indicate deliberate dismemberment and removal of meat, rather than ritualistic practices or scavenging.
Specifically, the upper quarters of the hind limbs exhibited the highest concentration of cut marks and fragmentation, suggesting a preference for these muscle-rich areas. This pattern mirrors the butchering practices observed in other animal remains found at the site, such as cattle, sheep, and pigs. The findings are detailed in the journal Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, published January 15, 2024.
The Site of Emporion Pistiros
Emporion Pistiros was a Thracian settlement and trading post established in the 5th century BCE. Excavations at the site, ongoing as 2016, have yielded a wealth of data about Thracian life, including evidence of thier diet. The site’s location facilitated trade between the Thracians and the Greeks, and the archaeological record reflects this cultural exchange. The Bulgarian National Archaeological Institute and Museum is overseeing the excavations. More information about the Emporion Pistiros project can be found on the NAIM website.
Contextualizing Canine Consumption in Thracian Culture
While the consumption of dog meat was not unique to the Thracians – evidence exists from other ancient cultures including the Romans and Celts – the scale and systematic nature of the practice at Emporion Pistiros is noteworthy. The Thracians were known for their pastoral lifestyle and reliance on animal husbandry. However, archaeological evidence suggests periods of economic hardship and resource scarcity, which may have led to the inclusion of dogs in their diet.
Stella Nikolova, the lead author of the study and an archaeologist at the Bulgarian National archaeological Institute and Museum, stated, “The highest number of cuts and fragmentation is observed in the parts with the densest muscle tissue – the upper quarter of the hind limbs.” This observation,reported in a Live Science article on January 22, 2024, further supports the Also to be considered: that dogs were being processed for food.
Implications for Understanding Thracian Society
This discovery challenges previous understandings of the relationship between humans and dogs in ancient Thrace. While dogs were likely used for guarding, herding, and companionship, the evidence now indicates they were also considered a food resource. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of dog consumption across different Thracian settlements and to understand the social and cultural factors that influenced this practice. The research team plans to continue excavations at Emporion Pistiros and analyze additional animal remains to gain a more extensive understanding of Thracian dietary habits. Smithsonian Magazine provides additional context on the findings.
