9 months ago
Cats Domesticated 4,000 Years Ago in North Africa
Scientists have discovered that domestic cats first came to Europe about 2,000 years ago, during the time of the Roman Empire.
They likely arrived on ships that traveled across the Mediterranean Sea, helping to control mice.
This finding changes the old belief that cats were domesticated much earlier, around 6,000 to 7,000 years ago.
The study looked at the DNA of old cat bones from different places and times.
It showed that the earliest domestic cats in Europe were similar to modern cats and came from North Africa.
Cats became very important to humans, not just as pets but also in trade and culture.
For example, in ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred and were even mummified.
The Roman army also helped spread domestic cats across Europe.
However, the study does not reveal exactly where and when cats were first domesticated, only when they arrived in Europe.
Domestic cats arrived in Europe 2,000 years ago during early imperial Roman times.
Genetic analysis of 225 feline bones from archaeological sites revealed this timeline.
Cats likely traveled on ships to control mice and possibly for religious and symbolic significance.
The earliest domestic cat in Europe was found in Austria, dating between 50 BC and 80 AD.
The study suggests multiple regions and cultures in North Africa played a role in cat domestication.
- Who
- Researchers led by Claudio Ottoni of the University of Rome Tor Vergata
- What
- Genome study on cat domestication in Europe
- Where
- Europe, with origins in North Africa
- When
- Domestic cats arrived in Europe 2,000 years ago, during early imperial Roman times
- Why
- To understand the history and timing of cat domestication in Europe
Key facts
- Study Focus
- Timing of domestic cat introduction to Europe
- Key Finding
- Domestic cats arrived in Europe 2,000 years ago
- Methodology
- Genetic analysis of 225 feline bones
- Significance
- Marks a milestone in human-cat relationship
- Ancient Cat
- Earliest domestic cat in Europe dated to 50 BC-80 AD
- Domestication Origin
- Descended from African wildcats
- Study Publication
- Journal Science, 2024
- Leopard Cat
- Formed loose association with humans 3,500 years ago
Quotes
Claudio Ottoni
Paleogeneticist at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and lead author of the study
“Cat domestication is complex, and what we can tell now is the timing of the introduction of domestic cats to Europe from North Africa. We can't really say much what happened before and where.”
deccanchronicle.com
“We show that the earliest domestic cat genomes in Europe are found from the Roman imperial period onwards, starting in the first century AD.”
deccanchronicle.com
Marco De Martino
Paleogeneticist at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and study co-author
“The introduction of the domestic cat to Europe is important because it marks a significant moment in their long-term relationship with humans. Cats aren't just another species arriving on a new continent. They're an animal that became deeply integrated into human societies, economies and even belief systems.”
deccanchronicle.com
Bea De Cupere
Zooarchaeologist and study co-author at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences
“The timing of the genetic waves of introduction from North Africa coincides with periods when trade around the Mediterranean intensified strongly. Cats likely traveled as efficient mouse hunters on grain ships but possibly also as valued animals with religious and symbolic significance.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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