A recent genome study has shed light on the history of cat domestication, revealing that domestic cats were introduced to Europe from North Africa approximately 2,000 years ago during the early Roman Empire. This research provides a clearer timeline of how and when these beloved pets became integrated into human societies across the continent.
Researchers from the University of Rome Tor Vergata conducted an extensive analysis of genetic data from feline remains found at 97 archaeological sites across Europe and the Near East. Their work, published in the journal Science, included the examination of 225 bones from both domestic and wild cats, spanning a period from around 10,000 years ago to the 19th century. They successfully generated 70 ancient feline genomes.
Previous theories suggested that cats were domesticated much earlier, around 6,000 to 7,000 years ago, when farmers from the ancient Near East began migrating into Europe. However, lead author Claudio Ottoni stated, “We show that the earliest domestic cat genomes in Europe are found from the Roman imperial period onwards,” indicating that the domestication process began in earnest around the first century AD.
Evidence from Ancient Remains
The study highlighted that the remains of cats discovered at prehistoric sites in Europe were primarily wildcats, not early domestic cats. This finding aligns with the understanding that dogs were the first domesticated animals, descending from an ancient wolf population. In contrast, domestic cats are believed to have evolved from the African wildcat.
The introduction of domestic cats to Europe marks a pivotal moment in their relationship with humans. Marco De Martino, a co-author of the study, emphasized that “cats aren’t just another species arriving on a new continent. They became deeply integrated into human societies, economies, and even belief systems.”
The genetic analysis revealed two separate introductions of cats to Europe from North Africa. The first occurred approximately 2,200 years ago when wildcats were transported to Sardinia, contributing to the island’s current wildcat population. However, these were not domestic cats. A second wave of migration occurred about two centuries later, which laid the genetic foundation for today’s domestic cat breeds in Europe.
Link to Maritime Trade and Cultural Significance
The timing of these genetic introductions coincides with intensified trade across the Mediterranean. According to co-author Bea De Cupere from the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, cats likely traveled as efficient mouse hunters on grain ships but also held religious and symbolic significance in ancient cultures. For example, in ancient Egypt, cats were revered and associated with various deities, and royalty often kept them as pets, sometimes mummifying them for burial.
The role of the ancient Roman military in the spread of domestic cats across Europe is also noteworthy. Archaeological evidence has uncovered feline remains at Roman military camp sites, showcasing how these animals traveled alongside troops throughout the continent.
The earliest identified domestic cat in Europe from this study dates back to between 50 BC and 80 AD, found in the Austrian town of Mautern, which served as a Roman fort along the Danube River. While the study provides valuable insights into the timing of the introduction of domestic cats to Europe, Ottoni acknowledges that it does not resolve the complexities surrounding the initial domestication of cats.
“Cat domestication is complex,” he stated, “and 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.”
This research not only enhances our understanding of feline history but also underscores the significant role that cats have played in human civilization through the ages.
