THE ANIMAL BONES FROM BIRDOSWALD CAS SITE 420, CUMBRIA 1986-1990
Author(s): K Izard
Birdoswald, excavated by Tony Wilmott, produced three different analytical bone assemblages; these came from the possible timber fort (mid-late) 2nd century AD), the horrea (early third to early fifth century AD) and part of the ditch which surrounded the stone fort (late second to late fourth century AD). The taxa identified were cattle, sheep/goat, pig, horse, dog, cat, red and roe deer, chicken, black grouse, pigeon (Columbia livia/ C. oenas), woodcock, greenfinch, stoat, bank vole, field vole, water vole, common shrew, water shrew, house mouse, wood mouse, hare, rabbit, frog/toad and brown trout. Many of these contributed to the Roman diet. The major contributor was cattle followed by sheep/goat. These proportions and the low percentage of pig would support the theory that the occupants were of auxiliary status. Throughout the life of the fort the beef was most likely brought in as livestock or whole carcasses. The majority of these animals were adult to elderly female animals. Similarly, almost all the sheep/goat were older than two years. There was a greater proportion of male caprines but the sample was small. Despite the lack of any systematic butchery pattern, there still appears to be an organised disposal method suggesting the presence of a specialist or someone with knowledge of butchery techniques.
- Report Number:
- 13/1993
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 52
- Keywords:
- Animal Bone Animal Remains Bird Bone Fish Bone
