Domestic patterns in the Numidian site of Althiburos (northern Tunisia): The results from a combined study of animal bones, dung and plant remains

The understanding of taphonomic and soil formation processes is critical for evaluating the integrity of the archaeological record. The Numidian settlement of Althiburos, northern Tunisia, presents a rich archaeobiological record which includes bones in well state of preservation, dung accumulation and plant remains. This paper focuses on the Early Numidian occupation of the site (from the 10th–9th century to the early 7th century BC). The results obtained from integrated studies of mammal remains in association to grass phytoliths and faecal spherulites rich sediments, and the factors leading to their formation and preservation, suggest locations where livestock dung were concentrated. Most of the studied layers are characterized by accumulations of dung related to a grass-rich diet and domestic waste. Faunal remains showed anthropic marks, such as burning, cut and chop marks. In contrast, animal bones are scarce or completely absent in contexts defined as hearths, indicating that they were not even discarded and thrown into the fire. Phytolith and spherulite associations in the latter contexts suggest the use of vegetal and faecal material for fuel purposes.