The relationship between humans and animals in prehistoric times was a complex interplay of necessity and companionship. While the first domesticated animal was likely the dog, descended from wolves, the process of domestication was far from straightforward. Early humans didn’t set out to domesticate animals; rather, it was a natural outcome of mutual benefits. Wolves, attracted by the food scraps left by human hunters, gradually grew less fearful of humans. Over generations, a symbiotic relationship developed.
This relationship was not just about companionship; it was a matter of survival. Early humans lived in a world fraught with dangers, from predators to rival tribes. The wolves that eventually became domesticated dogs served as guards, alerting humans to approaching dangers. They also assisted in hunting, helping humans take down larger prey than they could manage alone. In return, these early dogs received food and protection, a fair trade that led to a lasting partnership.
But dogs were not the only animals that found a place in prehistoric human settlements. Archaeological evidence suggests that cats, too, were part of early human communities. Unlike dogs, cats were not intentionally domesticated. They were attracted to human settlements by the abundance of food, primarily in the form of rodents. Cats helped control the rodent population, and humans provided them with food scraps, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship.
The domestication of smaller animals like rodents and birds likely followed a similar accidental path. These animals were initially attracted to human settlements because of the availability of food. Over time, they grew less fearful of humans and more accustomed to living in close proximity to them. Some of these animals may have served practical purposes, like pest control, while others were kept purely for companionship.
As human societies grew more complex, so did the roles of pets. In some cultures, pets were buried alongside their owners, a practice that suggests a deep emotional bond. The oldest known pet burial site, located in Israel, contains the remains of a human and a dog, buried together more than 12,000 years ago. The manner of burial suggests that the dog was not just a tool for hunting or protection but a cherished companion.
The domestication of animals and the subsequent development of pets were not just isolated events; they had far-reaching implications for human society. The domestication of dogs, for example, likely played a role in the development of pastoralism. Herding dogs helped humans manage livestock, leading to more efficient food production and the growth of human settlements.
As we move forward in this series, we’ll explore how the role of pets evolved in ancient civilizations, where they took on symbolic and even sacred roles. From the revered cats of ancient Egypt to the falcons of Mesopotamia, pets have been more than just companions; they’ve been symbols of cultural values and social status.
While the core function of pets as companions has remained constant over millennia, their roles have evolved in fascinating ways, reflecting changes in human society and culture. As we’ll see in the next part of this series, the medieval era brought new dimensions to the human-pet relationship, from status symbols to participants in religious rituals.
Ruins and Relics 