The Role of Archaeo-Ornithology in Environmental and Animal History Studies

This paper presents the use of avian bone remains recovered from archaeological excavations in comparison with other animal bone evidence. My aim was to give a brief overview on the topics that are usually faced by an archaeo-ornithologist. The wide scale of subjects includes bird bone preservation rata and methodologies concerning the identifi cation and measurements taken on avian skeletal elements. Taphonomic characteristics involve differential bone density and preservation in archaeological deposits. This item may also be infl uenced by the special use of fowls or their body parts by people. Results on avian materials contribute considerably to palaeo-environmental studies, as the majority of species have special requirements regarding the occupied habitat, climate and breeding region. Different aspects considering the role of fowls in the cultural life and symbolic system of ancient people are also discussed. Bird bone artefacts and pathologies that exemplify physical changes and infectious conditions may introduce scholars to a special aspect of archaeo-ornithology. 1