The Fauna from the UNO/BU Excavations at Bieta Giyorgis (Aksum) in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: Campaigns 1995–2003; Pre-Aksumite, 700–400 BC to Late Aksumite, AD 800–1200

Excavations at Bieta Giyorgis, Aksum, Ethiopia, spanning from 700 BC to AD 1200, reveal a dominant presence of domestic mammals, particularly cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus), indicating intense exploitation. Age structure analysis and butchering marks suggest targeted use of young caprines (sheep and goats). Rare wild mammals, alongside marine fish remains and worked cowries from the Red Sea, hint at long-distance trade contacts. This study provides insights into the economic and social dynamics of Aksumite society through zooarchaeological analysis.

Chaix, L. (2013). The Fauna from the UNO/BU Excavations at Bieta Giyorgis (Aksum) in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: Campaigns 1995–2003; Pre-Aksumite, 700–400 BC to Late Aksumite, AD 800–1200. Journal of African Archaeology, 11(2), 211–241. https://doi.org/10.3213/2191-5784-10244