image sources, DigVentures
Affectionately known locally as ‘The Clumps’, the site is owned and operated by Earth Trust.
The remains of a small Roman dog have been discovered at a popular walking spot.
An archaeological dig at Wittenham Clumps in Oxfordshire has unearthed the 1,800-year-old remains of a 20cm-tall dog.
The animal’s remains were discovered at the site of a villa believed to have belonged to a wealthy Roman family.
Researchers say the dog is one of the smallest found in the UK and was likely a ‘much loved pet’.
image sources, DigVentures
A sketch of what the little dog would have looked like, according to researchers
The discovery was made at the site of the headquarters of the charity Earth Trust by archaeologists from DigVentures, a social enterprise that runs crowdfunded archaeological digs.
Hannah Russ, a zooarchaeologist who analyzed the animal’s remains, said: “Although it is possible that this dog was used for hunting, we know that Romans in other parts of the empire had started raising and keeping small dogs as pets.
“The fact that this dog was so small and had arched legs suggests that it was probably not bred for hunting (and) makes it much more likely that it was kept as a house dog, companion dog, or pet.”
image sources, DigVentures
A DigVentures member holds a brooch also discovered on the site
Maiya Pina-Dacier of DigVentures said the uncovered villa was believed to have been occupied by a “relatively wealthy Roman family, who ran a farm with an assortment of working animals, including hunting or herding dogs – as well as this little dog.
The remains, along with other artefacts from the excavation, including a copper brooch and bracelet, will go on display for the first time at Earth Trust in August, as part of the Clumps Go Ancient festival.
The Earth Trust said it would include a pop-up exhibition showcasing “unseen items” from the excavations, as well as demonstrations to bring the finds of Wittenham Clumps people and their animals to life.
“From the Iron Age communities who created the fort that is now Castle Hill – and the Roman families who later lived below – to the farmers and tenants who manage the land today, this area has been shaped by human use”. and intervention through the ages.