Cat Paw Print Found on 2,000-Year-Old Roman Roof Tile
Discovery and Significance
During the excavation of a highway in Lincolnshire, UK, archaeologists stumbled upon a remarkable find: a 2,000-year-old Roman roof tile bearing the imprint of a cat’s paw. This discovery provides tantalizing evidence of the presence of cats in Roman Britain and sheds light on their relationship with humans.
Excavation Details
The find was made by researchers from Network Archaeology, who were excavating the route of the Lincoln Eastern Bypass. The roof tile was crafted from red clay and set out to dry in the sun when a cat inadvertently stepped on it, leaving its mark.
Animal Prints on Roman Tiles
The cat paw print is not an isolated discovery. At the same site, archaeologists have also found roof tiles with deer hoof marks and dog prints. These animal prints suggest that the buildings were likely part of a compound owned by wealthy Romans, who may have kept cats to control rodents and other pests.
Evidence of Domestication
The presence of cat paw prints on Roman roof tiles raises the question of whether these cats were domesticated or wild. While the Romans are known to have kept cats as pets, it is also possible that the print could come from a native wild cat species that was exploring the drying tiles.
Historical Context
This is not the first time a British cat has left its mark on history. In 2015, a set of cat prints was found on a Roman roof tile dated to around 100 A.D. during excavations in Gloucester. Cat prints are relatively rare on Roman tiles, making this discovery particularly significant.
Cats in Medieval Manuscripts
Cats have also made their presence known in other historical documents. In 2013, a researcher discovered a medieval manuscript in Croatia that included paw prints left by a cat walking over the document. These paw prints provide further evidence of the long and intertwined relationship between cats and humans.
Archaeological Significance
The cat paw print on the Roman roof tile is just one of tens of thousands of finds that have been made during the excavation of the Lincolnshire Eastern Bypass roadway. Other discoveries include flints from hunter-gatherers, arrows and ax-heads from Neolithic hunters, and Bronze-age burials containing human ashes.
Roman Villa and Graves
Excavations from the Roman era have also revealed evidence of a large Roman villa, including stone-lined wells and a fish pond. Several Roman graves were also found, providing insights into the lives and customs of the people who lived in this area during the Roman period.
Medieval and Pre-Modern Finds
In addition to the Roman remains, the excavations have also uncovered a Medieval malthouse and a pre-modern farmhouse, along with dozens of other finds. These discoveries provide a comprehensive picture of the history of human settlement in this region, from prehistoric times to the present day.
Conclusion
The discovery of the cat paw print on the Roman roof tile is a fascinating glimpse into the past. It highlights the enduring presence of cats in human society and the importance of archaeological research in uncovering the rich tapestry of our history.