The Graves of Maeotian Horsemen with Dogs from the Prikubansky Burial Ground

In: Stratum plus: archeologija i kulʹturnaja antropologija = Stratum plus : archaeology and cultural anthropology, Heft 3, S. 131-150

Abstract

31 horsemen burials were excavated at the Prikubansky burial ground in 1998—2001, among which 10 burials with dogs stand out. These burials date from different quarters of the 4 th century BC, as suggested by the amphorae and black-glazed vessels. The position of the horse in the burial is to the right or to the left of the person. Archaeozoological study of bone remains made it possible to establish that the Maeotian riders used mainly medium-sized horses, 137—147 cm high at the withers. Their age ranges from 2 to 20 years. The dogs were laid at the legs or at the belly of the horse. In most cases, cow bones were found next to the skeleton of the dog. The age of dogs is determined mainly by 2 years. Various grave goods, including rich sets of horse bridles and weapons, testifies to the belonging of the burials from the Prikubansky burial ground to the elite group of Maeotian horsemen. The burial rite of a horse and a dog, together with a person, originated in the Early Maeotian time and became widespread in the 4 th century BC, but practically disappears afterwards.