Cattle husbandry in the Iron Age and Roman Netherlands: chronological developments and regional differences in cattle frequencies, management, size and shape

Cattle are the dominant species in most archaeological sites in the Netherlands during the Iron Age and Roman period. However, there are differences in the relative importance of cattle and in how cattle were managed. The aim of this paper is to find out which changes in cattle husbandry occurred between the Iron Age and Roman period, and whether these changes are related to introduced Roman practices. For this study, the Netherlands was divided into four regions, of which the northern region lies outside the Roman Empire. This allows a comparison of regions within and outside the Roman Empire and the potential identification of differential economic developments. First, we looked at diachronic changes and regional differences in the relative proportion of cattle compared to the other main domestic species. Second, data on slaughter ages were used to draw conclusions about the main product cattle were kept for: milk, meat or traction. Next, biometric data were used to investigate sex ratios of cattle, which combined with mortality profiles inform about management practices. Finally, biometric data were analysed using the log size index method to trace diachronic changes and regional differences in cattle size. Results of our analysis show higher proportions of cattle in the western and northern regions and the lowest proportions in the southern region. This is possibly related to the stronger focus on arable farming in the southern region (compared to animal husbandry). An increase in cattle slaughter ages in the Middle Roman period combined with an increase in the proportion of male cattle is interpreted as an increased focus on cattle for traction. Cattle also formed the main meat provider for Roman towns. Cattle size shows no significant increase until the Roman period, and then only in those regions that formed part of the Roman Empire. The Roman influence on cattle breeding does not seem to have reached the northern region. A size increase and the growing role of cattle for traction and as meat providers in towns is also seen in other parts of the northwestern provinces. These changes can directly be related to the Roman occupation and the demand for meat and other animal products.

Automated summary

This paper examines the changes in cattle husbandry between the Iron Age and Roman period in the Netherlands and explores the relationship between these changes and Roman practices. The study reveals regional differences in the proportion of cattle and changes in their role, such as the increasing focus on cattle for traction and as meat providers in Roman towns. It also suggests that the Roman influence on cattle breeding was limited to regions within the Roman Empire. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the economic and cultural impact of Roman occupation on livestock management in the Netherlands.