Newly found well sheds light upon animal history in Late Bronze Age

It consists of vertical layers

The well's contents change over its vertical levels, which suggests that the processes that build the source and the availability of animal resources—both those that are obtained locally and those that are obtained from outside sources—are variable. The debris found inside the well appears to have come from efforts to clean up after a devastating earthquake. Thus, these alterations may potentially be a reflection of struggles following a natural disaster.

The dog remains were found in the well at different times and were more complete than those of the farm animals. The authors take this as flimsy proof that dogs may have been given different final care than other animals.

"This study presents new insights about ancient animals recovered from the renowned archaeological site of Mycenae in Greece—a major political center in the Late Bronze Age, famous for references in Homer's Iliad," say authors.

"Research at Petsas House, a domestic building in Mycenae's settlement used in large part as a ceramics workshop, revealed how the remains of meaty meals and pet dogs were cleaned and disposed of in a house well following a major destructive earthquake. Study of the archaeologically recovered bones, teeth, and shells from the well yielded a more nuanced picture of the diverse and resilient dietary strategies of residents than previously available at Mycenae," they add.

This study reveals how careful examination of animal remains in exceptionally well-preserved assemblages can shed light on the social dynamics of prehistoric communities.