An archaeozoological dataset for 3000 years of animal management in the Netherlands.

The researchers compiled a dataset of archaeological findings relating to domesticated animals in the Netherlands spanning 3000 years, which can be used to understand historical patterns of animal husbandry and human dietary habits.

Gathering the Dataset

The team gathered their data from a range of published and unpublished reports that contained tables listing numbers of bone fragments per animal species. The species they focused on were domestic cattle, sheep/goat, pig, and horse. This raw data formed the basis of their archaeozoological dataset.

• The bone fragments were categorized by species, providing a count of each species found at the various archaeological sites.
• Alongside the species information, the dataset also contains geographical information about where each sample was found.
• The chronological information was also included for each fragment, indicating not only the species but also the period in which it lived.
• The dataset includes site descriptions, giving additional context to the origins of each data point.
• Bibliographic references were included for validation and further research purposes.

Purpose and Uses of the Dataset

The primary objective of the gathered data is to aid in reconstructing the practices of animal husbandry and human dietary habits throughout the identified period, from the Bronze Age to the Early Medieval period (c. 2000 BC – AD 1050).

• The raw count of bone fragments per species helps provide an understanding of which animals were more widely domesticated or consumed during different periods.
• The geographical mapping of these fragments assists in revealing patterns of animal management across different regions within the Netherlands.
• The chronological information gives an additional layer of depth, showing changes in animal usage over approximately 3000 years.

In conclusion, the dataset offers significant insight into ancient practices of animal management and dietary habits over a substantial period. It presents a promising tool for spatio-temporal studies, allowing for detailed exploration of how human-animal relations have evolved over time.