Belgian archaeologists reveal ancient dog's sacrificial burial for building construction

In an archaeological excavation in Velzeke, Belgium, dated back to Roman times, researchers unearthed the well-preserved remains of a dog dating around 1,800 years. The discovery, which highlights the cultural practices of the era, involved burial under a stone floor, suggesting an important site given that such stone foundations were rare in this region during that period. The dog's remains were found intact, providing insights into the rituals associated with land purification, indicating the dog may have been sacrificed to purify the site before the construction of a significant stone building. Such rituals were often tied to the festival of Lupercalia, associated with fertility and purification, further linking the practice to wider Roman traditions. Alongside the dog remains, the excavation also produced other artifacts, including pottery and the bones of another dog and a pig, albeit deemed regular settlement waste rather than ritual offerings. This excavation aligns with a growing interest in how ancient societies, like the Romans, integrated animals into significant cultural and religious practices, reflecting their beliefs in the afterlife and land sanctification. Future studies on these remains may reveal more about health conditions and the habits of dogs in this era, contributing to our understanding of pets and their roles in ancient households and rituals.