PUBLIC LECTURE. Remembering Eeyore: Archaeological perspectives on the donkey in human history

This talk seeks to raise awareness of the historical significance of an association between people and Equus asinus that is now some 7000 years old.

Donkeys are the only mammal to have been uniquely domesticated within Africa and, like African archaeology in general, they have frequently been neglected by most archaeologists and archaeozoologists. 

Considering the evidence for donkey domestication in Africa, it illustrates the historical importance of donkeys through three case studies: their association with kings and other elites in the Bronze Age of the Near East; their role in the economy and armies of the Roman world; and their significance in funding Spain’s colonial empire.

Brought to you in collaboration with Origins Centre and the Archaeological Society Northern Branch (the talk will take place after the Arch Soc AGM ending 18:45). 

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served.

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