Ancient DNA finds 15,800-year-old dogs in Anatolia, buried like humans
Why it matters: This discovery rewrites the timeline of human-dog companionship, deepening our understanding of ancient societies.
- University of Liverpool/British Institute at Ankara archaeological projects identified some of the earliest dogs in central Anatolia.
- Ancient DNA analysis confirmed the presence of 15,800-year-old dogs.
- The findings are documented in two papers, shedding new light on the development and spread of early domestic dogs.
- The dogs were buried in a manner similar to humans, indicating a significant cultural and emotional connection.
Archaeological excavations in central Anatolia, Turkey, have unearthed evidence of 15,800-year-old dogs, among the earliest known, buried with human-like reverence. These findings, documented in two papers, offer crucial insights into the origins and dispersal of early domestic canines, highlighting their deep historical bond with humans.
