Dogs, widely known as humans’ best friends, appear to have been connected to people much earlier than previously thought.
A new study published in the journal Nature suggests that the relationship dates back more than 15,000 years, with hunter-gatherers feeding dogs and even giving them ritual burials during the last Ice Age.
The oldest known example, dating back 15,800 years, was found buried alongside human remains in Turkey. The second oldest, a 14,300-year-old jawbone, was discovered in Somerset in the United Kingdom, where a prehistoric group known for complex burial practices once lived.
Dog Domestication May Have Begun Earlier Than Thought
Researchers found that by around 15,000 years ago dogs with different genetic backgrounds already existed across Eurasia, from Somerset to Siberia. This suggests domestication may have begun long before the emergence of agriculture and other domesticated animals.
Analysis of the dogs’ bones showed that they consumed diets rich in fish, similar to those of humans living in the same regions.
Evidence Of A Deep Emotional Bond
There was also evidence of a strong emotional bond. In Turkey, three puppies were found buried at the feet of a human, reflecting burial rituals similar to those used for people at the time.
Genetic analysis indicates that once domesticated, dogs spread rapidly across Europe, possibly being exchanged between different groups of people.
According to Professor Laurent Frantz, dogs played an important role for humans and served purposes beyond companionship, including assisting with hunting and acting as an early warning system against predators.
Researchers believe the close relationship between humans and dogs represents one of the earliest examples of cooperation between humans and animals, laying the foundation for a bond that continues today.
With information from The Guardian