Roman expansion and cattle size increase in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula: studying the link through the Zooarchaeology

Abstract

Zooarchaeological studies have documented an increase in cattle size in the new territories under roman control after being conquered. These evidences show a link between the roman expansion and variations of cattle size and shape. Taking these considerations into account, the aim of this paper is to shed light on this issue through the study of cattle remains from 12 sites located in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula and occupied from the middle 5th century BC to the 3rd century AD.