"Until death do us part". A multidisciplinary study on human- Animal co- burials from the Late Iron Age necropolis of Seminario Vescovile in Verona (Northern Italy, 3rd-1st c. BCE).
Authors: Laffranchi Zita, Zingale Stefania, Tecchiati Umberto, Amato Alfonsina, Coia Valentina, Paladin Alice, Salzani Luciano, Thompson Simon R, Bersani Marzia, Dori Irene, Szidat Sönke, Lösch Sandra, Ryan-Despraz Jessica, Arenz Gabriele, Zink Albert, Milella Marco
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary A multidisciplinary analysis of 16 burials containing animal remains from a Late Iron Age necropolis in Verona has revealed complex mortuary practices that resist simple interpretation, particularly regarding four high-status co-burials with horses and dogs that held no dietary significance. Researchers employed zooarchaeological, anthropological, paleogenetic, and isotopic methods to examine whether human-animal burials reflected kinship, shared diet, similar social status, or ritual symbolism, finding no consistent demographic or biological patterns to explain the deposition patterns. Stable isotope analysis of the two analysed dogs indicated distinct management strategies—potentially reflecting different economic investments or ritual roles—yet the individuals buried alongside these animals showed no evidence of shared subsistence practices or genetic connection. The heterogeneity of these burials suggests that burial practices at Seminario Vescovile were influenced by multiple intersecting cultural frameworks, possibly reflecting contact between local Cenomane traditions and both Transalpine Celtic and emerging Roman customs, rather than a single explanatory model. For equine and canine professionals, this evidence underscores the long historical significance of human-animal bonds in high-status contexts and highlights how varied management, training, and valuation of individual animals shaped their roles within society and death rituals.
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Practical Takeaways
- •This is archaeological research on ancient burial practices with no direct application to modern equine or animal care practice
- •The study demonstrates how isotopic analysis and zooarchaeology can reveal historical animal management and cultural practices
- •Findings illustrate that animal co-burial in ancient contexts reflects cultural and ritual significance rather than demographic or subsistence factors
Key Findings
- •Of 161 inhumations at the Late Iron Age necropolis, only 16 (9.9%) included animal remains, with 4 containing horses or dogs that had no dietary role
- •Isotopic analysis of two dogs revealed differing management strategies, suggesting distinct economic and/or ritual significance
- •No demographic, dietary, funerary similarities, or genetic relatedness were found between human individuals and their co-buried animals
- •Evidence suggests complex funerary practices influenced by Transalpine cultural traditions and Roman customs rather than simple explanatory models