Animal burials are quite common in Egypt, from the pre-Dynastic through Roman times, although archaeologists usually see mummified creatures. Investigation of the animal skeletons was performed by Marta Osypińska (Polish Academy of Sciences) and reported recently in the journal Antiquity. As Egypt was one of the locations of the earliest cat domestication, this cemetery is an important find and sheds light on humans' relationship with animals. The Berenike cemetery appears to be unique, as cat burials are found far less often than cat mummification, which is an ancient Egyptian practice that centers on religious offerings. Cat burials are also found less often than dog burials, a Roman practice that appears to reflect the dog's role as a pet or companion.

Source: Forbes October 04, 2017 16:07 UTC