Research into ancient DNA has shed new light on the domestication of cats, revealing that domestic cats were introduced to Europe from North Africa approximately 2,000 years ago. This pivotal moment coincided with the early Roman Empire and challenges the long-held belief that cats were domesticated in Europe as early as 6,000 to 7,000 years ago. The study, published in the journal Science, highlights a crucial period in the relationship between humans and felines.
The study’s lead author, Claudio Ottoni, a paleogeneticist at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, emphasizes that the earliest domestic cat genomes in Europe can be traced back to the Roman imperial period, specifically starting in the first century AD. The research team analyzed genetic data from cat remains collected from 97 archaeological sites across Europe and the Near East, as well as from contemporary cats, generating 70 ancient feline genomes in the process.
The findings reveal that remains from prehistoric sites in Europe belong to wildcats rather than early domestic cats. This aligns with the understanding that dogs were the first domesticated animals, evolving from an ancient wolf population. In contrast, domestic cats descended from the African wildcat, which marks a distinct timeline of domestication.
Marco De Martino, co-author of the study, pointed out the significance of this introduction: “Cats aren’t just another species arriving on a new continent. They’re an animal that became deeply integrated into human societies, economies, and even belief systems.”
The research identified two separate introductions of cats into Europe from North Africa. The first occurred about 2,200 years ago, when wildcats were brought to Sardinia. However, these were not domestic cats. A second migration approximately 200 years later was responsible for establishing the genetic foundations of modern domestic cats in Europe.
Bea De Cupere, a zooarchaeologist from the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, noted that the timing of these introductions coincided with a period of intensified Mediterranean trade. Cats likely traveled aboard grain ships as adept mouse hunters, but they may have also held religious and symbolic significance.
In ancient Egypt, for instance, cats were revered, with feline deities prominent in the culture. Egyptian royalty often kept cats as pets, with some even mummified for burial alongside their owners. The spread of domestic cats across Europe was further facilitated by the ancient Roman army, which established outposts across the continent. Archaeological evidence supports this, as feline remains have been discovered at Roman military camp sites.
The earliest identified domestic cat in Europe from this study dates back to between 50 BC and 80 AD from the town of Mautern, a site of a Roman fort along the Danube River. While this research clarifies the introduction of domestic cats to Europe, it does not fully unravel the complexities surrounding their initial domestication.
“Cat domestication is complex,” Ottoni explained. “What we can tell now is the timing of the introduction of domestic cats to Europe from North Africa. We can’t really say much about what happened before and where.”
These findings not only reshape our understanding of feline history but also highlight the intricate relationships that have developed between humans and animals over millennia. As research continues, the story of domestic cats will likely reveal even more layers of history, reflecting the deep connections forged between species throughout time.
