Animal utilization from Iron Age site of Elbistan Karahöyük, East Mediterranean, Turkey

Authors : Derya SİLİBOLATLAZ

Pages : 34-66

View : 17 | Download : 7

Publication Date : 2022-12-26

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This paper presents the result of recent zooarchaeological analyses from the excavations of Elbistan Karahöyük in Southeast Turkey. Zooarchaeological data have been evaluated into conventional methods of analysis. This has contributed to better understanding of the local diet, consumption preferences, and Iron Age subsistence strategies. In addition, animal bone studies provide information about socio politic and economic alterations. After the collapse of Hittite Empire, it is known that the social and economic changes but as yet in order to see whether there is any evidence from Karahöyük that to show a major changes or recognition of the animal economy during the Iron Ages. Excavations undertaken at Karahöyük 2017-2018-2019 have yielded 2,212 identified animal bone remains from the Iron Age levels insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Early, Middle and Late Iron Ages);. The material consists mainly of domestic livestock insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(sheep, goat, cattle, and pig);, dogs, equids insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(horse, donkey); and minor number of wild mammals insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(wolf, fox, hare, badger, and birds); presented in faunal assemblage as well. Skeletal element distribution, dental age profile and the fusion stages are generated.
Keywords : Zooarchaeology, Iron Age, subsistence strategy, animal exploitation, Anatolia, Karahöyük