Breeding of domestic animals and its management at the site of Lesser Town (Prague) Archaeozoological and stable isotope analyses
Abstract
The archaeozoological analysis of early medieval evidence obtained from the site of Lesser Town/Malá Strana (Prague, end of the 8th-11th century) has corroborated the predominant economic significance of domestic pigs (Sus domesticus) and cattle (Bos taurus). The cattle were used, among other things, also for obtaining secondary products such as milk and their physical strength.
On the other hand, the rearing of domestic pigs was traditionally focused on meat production. It seems probable that the site was, at least partly, economically self-sufficient (in pig-rearing and poultry farming).
Analysis of stable isotopes δ13C and δ15N preserved in dental collagen was used to test the hypothesis regarding intensive rearing of domestic pigs at the site of Lesser Town/Malá Strana. Previous analysis results suggest that the pigs were predominantly fed by extensive grazing.
Nevertheless, the variability of the two stable isotopes mentioned above points to the existence of more diversified food resources. It seems that at least part of the pigs had access to a diet more abundant in animal proteins, which could indicate their rearing in the proximity of human settlements.