THE ANIMAL BONES FROM CHURCH CHARE, CHESTER-LE-STREET, CO. DURHAM 1990-91
Author(s): S Stallibrass
Excavations prior to building work on a small part of the Roman fort of Congangis, Chester-le-Street, produced a small collection of animal bones, mainly from the late Roman period. Cattle bones dominate the collection. Sheep/goat, Pig and Dog are also represented. The Roman dog bones are all from small, bandy-legged individuals and contrast with a later, post-Medieval burial from the site. The measurements and morphology of the Roman Cattle bones suggest that two types of animal were present: the indigenous 'Celtic-shorthorn' and a larger type with different horncore morphology. Comparisons with other Roman sites in the north of England suggest that there may be some contrast in the types of cattle used by the Roman military in the western and eastern parts of the territory. The discovery of well-preserved fish bones in wet-sieved samples shows that this aspect of the military diet might be worth pursuing with a larger sample from the site.
- Report Number:
- 134/1991
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 18
- Keywords:
- Animal Bone Animal Remains
