Highway 3: Faunal Remains from Byzantine, Byzantine–Early Islamic and Ottoman Contexts

A faunal assemblage of 174 identified animal bones was recovered from excavations along Highway 3, mainly from Byzantine and Byzantine–Early Islamic and Ottoman contexts, with a small contribution from Late Roman strata. The remains originate primarily from refuse pits and from industrial-agricultural installations, including reservoirs, ovens and silos. The assemblage was analyzed using a diagnostic zone recording system, standard osteological identification, age-at-death assessment and detailed taphonomic analysis. The Byzantine and Byzantine–Early Islamic assemblages are dominated by caprines, mainly sheep, followed by pigs, equids and cattle, with minor representation of chicken and camel. Caprine mortality profiles indicate mainly mature individuals, suggesting exploitation for secondary products. The Ottoman assemblage is dominated by caprines and cattle, with an almost complete absence of pigs and pack animals and the presence of juvenile individuals, indicating a shift in herd management and patterns of animal use between the two periods.