Seasonal reproductive patterns of early domestic sheep at Tell Halula (PPNB, Middle Euphrates Valley): Evidence from sequential oxygen isotope analyses of tooth enamel

摘要: Abstract Sheep were adopted at Tell Halula site during Late PPNB (ca. 7500 cal BC). Shortly thereafter, sheep increased and became one of the main animal resources in this site. Previous studies have shown that planning reproductive strategies these early domesticated involved selection already-domestic rather than wild specimens to mold new herds, demographic management favored sexually mature females. In study we investigate seasonal pattern from determine if manipulation birth seasonality played a role adoption species. Sequential stable isotope analyses δ 18 O tooth enamel bioapatite show mainly born within period ca. 2.5 months. This duration is very similar observed modern mouflon populations some ethnographic record for domestic herds area. Data suggest was still, area study, under strong environmental constraints; although moment not possible elucidate whether synchronicity intentional.