New Studies Reveal Domestic Catsโ Ancient Origins
Recent research has shed new light on the origins of domestic cats, suggesting that Tunisia may be their birthplace. Two major studies, one from the University of Rome Tor Vergata and another from the University of Exeter, have provided compelling evidence that these beloved pets spread across Europe alongside agricultural practices during the Neolithic period. These findings challenge previous assumptions and highlight the complex history of cat domestication.
The Tor Vergata Study on Cats
A team of researchers from the University of Rome Tor Vergata conducted extensive paleo-genomic analyses, examining cat specimens from 97 archaeological sites across Europe and Anatolia. Their research also included samples from North Africa, Bulgaria, and Italy. Published on bioRxiv, the study titled โThe dispersal of domestic cats from Northern Africa and their introduction to Europe over the last two millenniaโ analyzed a total of 70 low-coverage ancient genomes, 37 radiocarbon-dated cat remains, and 17 modern and museum genomes.
The findings revealed that domestic cats with ancestral ties began appearing in Europe from the first century CE. The researchers identified two significant waves of introduction: the first occurred in the second century BCE when wildcats were transported from Northwest Africa to Sardinia, contributing to the islandโs current cat population. The second wave took place during the Roman Imperial period, with cats that closely resembled modern domestic breeds. Notably, Tunisia emerged as a key location for early domestication.
The University of Exeter Study
The University of Exeterโs collaborative study, titled โRedefining the timing and circumstances of cat domestication, their dispersal trajectories, and the extirpation of European Wildcats,โ provided a different perspective on the timeline of cat domestication. Researchers analyzed 2,416 archaeological field bones from 206 sites, cross-referencing morphological data with genetic findings.
This study concluded that domestic cats first appeared in Europe during the early first millennium BCE, predating the Roman expansion. The results suggest that the introduction of cats to Europe was a gradual process influenced by various factors, including trade and cultural exchanges.
The Egyptian Connection
Mythological theories suggest that the domestication of cats was deeply intertwined with religious and cultural beliefs. In ancient Egypt, cats were revered as sacred animals, while in Greek culture, they became symbols associated with the goddess Artemis and her Roman counterpart, Diana.
Despite the differing conclusions of the two studies, both indicate that domestic cats made their way to Europe from North Africa, driven by cultural practices, religious significance, and trade networks. These findings enrich our understanding of the historical relationship between humans and cats, revealing a complex narrative that spans thousands of years.
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