Skull of a brachycephalic dog unearthed in the ancient city of Tralleis, Türkiye

Onar V., Öztürk N., Chrószcz A., Poradowskı D., Mutlu Z.

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, vol.49, 2023 (AHCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 49
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2023.103969
  • Journal Name: Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports
  • Journal Indexes: Arts and Humanities Citation Index (AHCI), Scopus, Index Islamicus
  • Keywords: Brachycephalic, Dog, Skull, The Roman Empire, Tralleis
  • Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study examined a skull of a dog from the Roman period. The skull, obtained during the 2007 excavations, could only be examined in 2021. The skull was visually of a brachycephalic type. Its craniometric measurements were compared with data from modern brachycephalic breeds of Boxer, French Bulldog, and Pekingese. The comparison revealed that the Tralleis dog craniometric measurements fell between those of the French Bulldog and Pekingese dogs. As a result, the skull in question is currently the only example of such as Roman dog in Asia Minor in the west.