Canine burials from the Roman period on the northern Black Sea coast in the light of materials from the Neyzats cemetery

Abstract

The article tackles the question of the “canine burials” from the northern Black Sea coast area in the light of materials from the Neyzats cemetery (Belogorsky Raion, Crimean peninsula) dated from the 2nd to the 4th century AD. In this necropolis, 22 dog remains have been discovered in 20 archaeological features (in pit, undercut, and vaulted graves, as well as in pits). These burials are divided into three basic groups: independent canine burials, burials of dogs with other animals, and canine burials clearly associated with human graves. Each of the types is discussed in detail in the context of its broad cultural background. The analyzed material also makes it possible to attempt to explain the genesis of such burials and to interpret their meaning.

Keywords

• Late Scythian culture
• Sarmatians
• Roman period
• Neyzats
• canine burials
• funerary ritual