First Introduction and Early Exploitation of the Persian Fallow Deer on Cyprus (8000–6000 cal.bc)

• DOI: 10.1002/oa.2488
• Publication Date: 2015-07-20T07:21:02Z
• Authors: J.‐D. Vigne; J. Daujat; H. Monchot
• Keywords: Mainland

Abstract The Persian fallow deer ( Dama dama mesopotamica ) is currently a threatened species. However, it played an important role in many Late Glacial and Early Holocene human societies the Near Middle East. This especially true of island Cyprus, where was introduced at beginning Neolithic held predominant place subsistence throughout Cypriot prehistory until Bronze Age. earliest levels extensive Pre‐Pottery B site Shillourokambos, occupied between 8400 7000 cal. bc , provided 3036 identified remains this deer. It possible to measure or determine age‐at‐death for 1361 1444 remains, respectively. Analyses allow discussions on when its origin how populations were managed. These studies also lead reconstruction acquisition butchery techniques, as well culinary practices, morphological evolution males females time. Cyprus later than suids, dogs, cats, goats cattle, nearly same time sheep, towards ca 8000 . Despite absence any skeletal changes, introduction may reflect attempt domesticate nearby continental mainland. after being island, appear have been released into wild hunted. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.