Grazing in the marshes. A dental microwear approach to study sheep feeding in the Roman Empordà plain (northeast of the Iberian Peninsula)

Identifier:  PC:3190

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/PC3190

Authors:  Rivals, F.; Gallego, A.; Colominas, L.; Palet, J.M.

Abstract:
In this paper, we use a zooarchaeological approach to study the management of the ovine herds during the Roman period in the Empordà plain (northeast of the Iberian Peninsula). Using the dental microwear technique, we analysed ninety-nine tooth remains of sheep from Empúries, Mas Gusó and Tolegassos. This provided us with information about the last food intake of the animals studied. The results allowed us to propose an exploitation system of the environment for livestock that complemented agriculture, making use of the vegetation associated with wetlands in the Empordà plain. This exploitation system has never been documented before, as is not mentioned in the Roman treatises.