Osteometric examination of sheep and goat metapodial bones in Komana ancient city in the Turkish period (12th to 14th century)

Abstract

The osteometric study was performed on the metapodial bones of sheep and goats found during archaeological excavations in the site of Komana, Tokat, Turkey, dated in 12th-14th AD. The purpose of this study was to provide data on the variation of these animals after the Byzantine era, during the period of consolidation of the Turkish rule in Anatolia. The main research questions focus on whether flocks of sheep and goats were introduced to Anatolia by the Turkish people, as well as on the phylogenetic development history of these animals in a little-studied period. Morphometric measurements were meticulously taken from 480 metapodial bone fragments, followed by calculations and statistical analyses. This research confirms that different parameters used for metapodial bone measurements can effectively aid in species identification. On average, the estimated shoulder heights derived from these measurements were 59.24 cm for sheep and 64.31 cm for goats. Macroscopic examination revealed evidence of butchery activities on 65 of the bone fragments. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the morphology of animals from the ancient site of Komana. The shoulder height analysis indicates that the sheep were relatively small, comparable to those from earlier periods, while the goats were of medium size, similar to those from the Byzantine period.