Reconstructing human–animal interactions via multiproxy analysis of dog paleofeces from the medieval Central Balkans

Abstract

In archaeology, far more research has been performed on paleofeces of ancient humans than their companion animals, for which little is known. This study presents a multiproxy analysis of a paleofeces of dog origin, recovered from the medieval fortification of Gradina-Radaljevo (Serbia). The specimen was first recorded non-invasively through stereomicroscopy and micro-computed tomography, which documented a compact, flat-conical morphology containing highly digested bone fragments, charcoal, and sediment inclusions, features typical of carnivore digestion. Subsequent petrographic thin-sectioning and µFTIR confirmed a hydroxylapatite-rich matrix with cancellous and compact bone fragments, plant remains, and vegetal voids corresponding to cereal husk imprints, suggesting dietary ingestion of both animal and plant material. Paleoparasitological screening identified 26 helminth eggs belonging to Ascaris sp., Trichuris sp., and Dicrocoelium sp. Their morphology and low abundance indicate passive passage via ingestion of contaminated food, herbivore dung, or human waste rather than true infection of the host. Palynological analysis revealed low pollen diversity dominated by Poaceae, Cyperaceae, and fern spores, alongside wetland NPPs and Glomus fungi, reflecting environmental ingestion and scavenging behaviors. ZooMS of ingested bone fragments identified Suidae and Gallus, while aDNA analysis recovered Suidae, Bovidae, Phasianidae, and Canidae, including Canis lupus familiaris, further supporting a dog origin for the specimen. Together, these results indicate an omnivorous scavenging dog living near the settlement, consuming household refuse and fecal material, thereby mirroring human–animal interaction, sanitation practices, and parasite circulation in medieval Europe. This study sheds light on the complexity of human, dog and herbivore coexistence, contributing to the understanding of hygienic and sanitary conditions in medieval Europe.