Bronze Age Pigeons May Have Lived Alongside Humans and Been Ritually Eaten 3,000 Years Ago
A recent study suggests that rock pigeons may have lived alongside humans and been ritualistically consumed around 3,000 years ago. Researchers analyzed pigeon remains from a Late Bronze Age settlement in Cyprus, indicating a managed relationship between the birds and humans. The findings provide new insights into the domestication process of pigeons and their significance in ancient human life.
- ▪The study was published in the journal Antiquity and focused on pigeon remains from Hala Sultan Tekke in Cyprus.
- ▪Researchers found evidence that pigeons were likely fed by humans and bred within the settlement.
- ▪Burnt pigeon bones discovered in ritual spaces suggest that the birds were consumed as part of feasting or offerings.
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| Original publisher | Discover Magazine |
| Canonical URL | https://www.discovermagazine.com/bronze-age-pigeons-may-have-lived-alongside-humans-and-been-ritually-eaten-3-000-years-ago-49150 |
| Publication time | Tue, 26 May 2026 18:50:00 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-26T18:57:53.701Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-26T18:57:53.701Z |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Long before pigeons became synonymous with crowding city sidewalks and eating half-eaten sandwiches out of the trash, humans may have been managing — and even ritualistically consuming — them. A new study examining thousands-of-years-old pigeon remains from a Late Bronze Age settlement suggests the humble rock pigeon may have played a far more important role in ancient human life than previously believed.Published in the journal Antiquity, the research revisited bird bones uncovered at Hala Sultan Tekke, a coastal settlement on Cyprus dating back roughly 3,000 years.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Discover Magazine.
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