Wild or domestic? On the evidence for the earliest domestic cattle and pigs in south Scandinavia and Iberia

摘要: The earliest domestic animals in south Scandinavia and Iberia are claimed to be small numbers of pigs cattle late mesolithic (in Iberia) neolithic contexts. This paper examines these claims, argues that there no metrical grounds for separating a few bones species from the larger number wild pigs. All specimens therefore most probably wild. Small Ertebolle Denmark now referred as aurochs. Contemporary ‘transitional’ Rosenhof Bregentwedt/Forstermoor northern Germany so close size they too wild; concept is criticized. Claimed likewise In Spain, mesolithic/early Sarsa, Parralejo Nerja via comparison with ranges Zambujal Portugal. It argued (i) range at not fully known; (ii) any case an inappropriate because prehistoric boar were smaller east Iberia. Fewer comparanda available when studying Iberian cattle, situation less clear; but neither nor demonstrably domestic. concludes by mentioning other areas Europe where similar approach might fruitful.