Osteology

Archaeozoology analyses remains of animal bones found on archaeological sites. It draws on the knowledge of zoology, veterinary medicine and archaeology.

Why do we need to study animals in the past? They provided food, protection, transportation and important materials (bones, skin, teeth, and horns). They were important for religious practice as well as hunting trophies, or even as pets.

Archaeozoological analyses help identify the economy of the past, treatment of animals and their role in the prehistoric life.

Kost nese však i doklad o zdravotním stavu zvířete. V malém procentu se tak zde setkáváme se zhojeným zraněním, prodělaným zánětem nebo patologickou změnou způsobenou velkou pracovní zátěží.