Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The origin and spread of stock-keeping in the Near East and Europe have been significant topics of research in understanding the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agricultural-based civilizations. This paper delves into the historical development of stock-keeping practices in these regions, examining the key factors that contributed to the domestication and diffusion of animals for economic and social purposes. The research explores the beginnings of stock-keeping in the Near East, focusing on the domestication of animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs. It discusses how the transition to sedentary lifestyles led to the establishment of permanent settlements and the need for reliable food sources, prompting the cultivation of plants and the domestication of animals. The paper also investigates the role of environmental factors, such as climate change and resource availability, in shaping early stock-keeping practices. Furthermore, the study investigates the spread of stock-keeping from the Near East to Europe, analyzing the exchange of knowledge and technology through trade and migration. It examines archaeological evidence, genetic studies, and linguistic data to trace the movement of domesticated animals and the transfer of agricultural practices across regions. The research highlights the significant impact of stock-keeping on the development of complex societies in Europe, including the rise of specialized labor, social stratification, and urbanization. Moreover, the paper discusses the cultural and economic significance of stock-keeping in ancient societies, emphasizing its role in shaping religious beliefs, social structures, and trade networks. It examines the symbolic importance of animals in religious rituals and ceremonies, as well as their value as commodities for exchange and tribute. The study also considers the ecological implications of intensive animal husbandry, including deforestation, soil degradation, and the spread of zoonotic diseases. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the origin and spread of stock-keeping in the Near East and Europe, highlighting the complex interplay of environmental, cultural, and economic factors that influenced the domestication and diffusion of animals. By examining the historical development of stock-keeping practices, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the transition to agriculture and the emergence of early civilizations in these regions.

Thesis Overview

Funded for 4 years by the AHRC from June 2006, the main objective is to compile a comprehensive database of select animal bone data from relevant sites through which we can systematically aim to, 1) establish the key characteristics of early Neolithic animal exploitation economies through time and over broad and geographic regions, 2) understand the key factors that account for variation in early Neolithic animal expoitation - e.g. local availability versus physical dispersal of animals or ideas, 3) explore possible variation in husbandry/hunting strategies that developed as Neolithic herding economies spread from their area/s of origin, 4) assess the speed its spread across Europe, 5) look for possible adaptive changes in husbandry and hunting practises, 6) look for evidence of local indigenous domestication and finally 7) see whether the zooarchaeological evidence is similar or different to that already researched from ancient domestic and wild plant remains. This is a joint project between a new cross-faculty research centre at the University of Durham called "The Centre for Past Peoples and their Palaeoenvironments" (CP3) and the AHRC Centre for the Evolution of Cultural Diversity (CECD), Institute of Archaeology, UCL. The Principal investigators are Dr. Keith Dobney (CP3) and Professor Stephen Shennan (CECD).