The relationship between humans and foxes stretches back thousands of years, revealing fascinating insights into our ancient ancestors' interactions with animals. Archaeological discoveries suggest that early humans may have considered foxes as companions, even predating the domestication of dogs. Two key studies illustrate this intriguing human-fox bond—one from the Bronze Age in the Iberian Peninsula and another from prehistoric Jordan.
Foxes in Bronze Age Burials
In the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, during the Early to Middle Bronze Age (between the third and second millennium BC), a practice emerged where humans were buried alongside animals, including dogs and, in some cases, foxes. Excavations at the Can Roqueta site in Barcelona and Minferri in Lleida revealed a number of such graves, with scientists noting a fascinating similarity between the diets of these animals and their human counterparts.
At Can Roqueta, one of the most remarkable findings involved an old fox with a broken leg, evidence that the animal had been cared for by humans. The fracture had been immobilized and was healing, suggesting the fox had lived with humans for an extended period. Even more telling, its diet closely resembled that of domestic dogs, indicating a level of care typically associated with domesticated animals. This suggests that foxes may have held a place in human households similar to that of dogs.
The discovery adds a layer of complexity to our understanding of animal domestication in ancient times. While the foxes in these burials likely weren’t as fully domesticated as dogs, the evidence points to a significant relationship between humans and foxes during the Bronze Age.
Prehistoric Fox Burials in Jordan
An even older case of human-fox companionship was uncovered at Uyun-al-Hammam, a prehistoric burial site in Jordan dating back approximately 16,500 years. Researchers found the remains of a fox buried alongside a human, a relationship that predates the earliest known human-dog burial by around 4,000 years.
The burial site revealed that part of the fox’s body had been moved from one grave to another, suggesting a strong emotional attachment between the human and the fox. Such a transfer indicates that the fox played a significant role in the person’s life, potentially as a companion in life and death. This unprecedented finding suggests that early humans may have kept foxes as pets long before domestic dogs became the "best friend" we know today.
Despite this early connection, foxes were likely never fully domesticated. Foxes are naturally timid and more difficult to tame compared to dogs, which may explain why they never became widespread household companions. Still, the evidence of early fox burials shows that these animals once held a special place in human society, at least for a time.
The Evolution of Human-Animal Companionship
Recent discoveries shed light on the growing complexity of human-animal relationships long before the development of agriculture and livestock domestication. In both the Iberian Peninsula and Jordan, foxes were not only cared for but also buried alongside humans, suggesting a bond that extended beyond mere survival. However, while dogs eventually became trusted companions and working animals, foxes gradually lost their place in human homes.
It’s possible that foxes were initially valued as commodities for their fur and as a food source. There are hints from sites like Göbekli Tepe, that they might have also been considered protectors of grain stores—while foxes do eat small amounts of grain, they would much prefer the rodents that enjoy it most! Mythological depictions of black and silver foxes across various cultures often represent them as guardians, linked to themes of death and the underworld. These symbols could suggest a deeper significance for foxes in early human societies, though this remains speculative. In some more recent tribal practices, young foxes were trapped and raised for their pelts, but such a cycle is not one that would facilitate true domestication processes. With the rise of farming and the textile revolution, the need for wild-sourced fur and food diminished. However, the black or silver fox continues to be a luxury commodity for its prized pelt, even in modern times.
These findings offer a fascinating glimpse into how ancient societies viewed animals—not only as tools or food sources but as beings with emotional and social significance. While the human-fox bond may have been brief compared to other domestication efforts, it represents a unique chapter in the long history of human-animal companionship.
Summary
The evidence of foxes being buried alongside humans in both the Iberian Peninsula and Jordan reveals that these animals were once more than just wild creatures. While dogs eventually took on the role of "man's best friend," foxes, too, had a brief moment in human history as companions. These discoveries not only deepen our understanding of domestication but also highlight the emotional connections that ancient humans forged with the animals around them. Though foxes may never have reached full domestication, their early ties to humans remain a remarkable chapter in the story of human-animal interaction.
These findings continue to challenge our perceptions of domestication and offer a deeper appreciation for the complex relationships our ancestors had with the animals in their lives.
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