Livestock Burials from the 18th-century Semonice (Czechia): Insights from Zooarcheological Studies

Abstract

The study focuses on the findings of animal burials from the 18th century, which were excavated during archaeological research in the cadastre of the village of Semonice (Czechia). Ten pits contained more or less complete skeletons of cattle and horses, and two pits with superimposed parts of livestock skeletons. Most of them were adult and subadult animals, but in some cases, the remains of calves were also mixed in. No traces of butchering were recorded on the bones, and due to the high number of individuals recorded, it is hypothesised that these are animals that died during an epizootic. Hypothetically, it is possible to assume a connection between the cattle burials and the military camp that was located at the same site.