THE ROMAN MAMMAL AND BIRD BONES EXCAVATED IN 1994 FROM GREAT HOLTS FARM, BOREHAM, ESSEX
Author(s): Umberto Albarella
A small assemblage of animal bones was recovered mainly from 3rd/4th century AD contexts at Great Holts Farm. The majority of the bones are in excellent condition and derive from the waterlogged fills of a late Roman well. Beef was the most commonly eaten meat, but a variety of other resources including some wild animals were also exploited. The size of cattle was very large and might indicate that these animals were recent imports from the continent. The simultaneous presence of sparrowhawk and thrush bones may represent early evidence for hawking, although the use of this raptor as a decoy is also possible. The evidence from the mammal and bird bones appears to corroborate the interpretation derived from the study of the plant remains and the fish bones of a relatively affluent life-style and of overseas contacts of the Great Holts Farm inhabitants.
- Report Number:
- 9/1997
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 32
- Keywords:
- Animal Bone Animal Remains Bird Bone
