Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1037456 | Journal of Archaeological Science | 2008 | 20 Pages |
Abstract
This study of osteometric variation of sheep and cattle remains from archaeological sites in southern Portugal—the part that was once ruled by the Moslems—reveals an increase in size of the sheep in Moslem times and a subsequent increase of the cattle following the Christian conquest. It is assumed that a size increase reflects improvement. Sheep size increase is easy to understand given the Moslem fondness for mutton. The later size increase of the cattle is less easy to understand but could reflect a dietary switch from mutton to beef as well as the need for bovine power.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Materials Science
Materials Science (General)
Authors
Simon J.M. Davis,