Friendship between man and dog
Although we may seem strange the inclination that dogs usually have with the human being, this relationship dates from ancient times. Survival, oxytocin and the Neolithic could be the basis of friendship between man and dog. New evidence is emerging in this regard.
An archaeological study recently in Barcelona indicates that the relationship between humans and dogs, dates from at least 6000 years. The group of researchers detected human tombs with buried dogs next to the deceased. This would mean a close relationship between Neolithic men and their pets. The findings were made in Catalonia by students of the University of Barcelona and the autonomous of the same city. The research results were published in the Journal of Archaeological Science Reports.
A friendship that goes beyond life
The conclusions reached by academics are that dogs would have been buried with their owners. This would be a symbolic act in which the dog was sacrificed to accompany the master in the other life. These being also part of religious rituals, it is something to highlight the participation of animals in funeral burials.
The researchers found at least 26 human tombs with remains of dogs next door. This number is small if compared to the total excavations made, but it is still significant. The studies also allowed to establish some data on the diet of those dogs. In fact, it could be verified that the feeding of humans and their dogs was very similar. It basically consisted of vegetables and cereals; These data also allow us to conclude that from the Neolithic there was a strong friendship between man and dog.
Rituals and dogs
Humanity has always contemplated post -mortem rituals as something sacred and delicate. In traditions the ignorance of what happens after dying has always had weight. Therefore, it is quite striking that dogs have been sacrificed and buried with their masters.
All this would coincide with the "culture of the graves in graves". This thesis is the one held by the first editor of the research article, Silvia Albizuri. The researchers’ body believes that this could be a fairly generalized practice among the Iberian population of the time. From the discoveries and the existing documentation, it is thought that this practice was extended for some centuries. It would have lost continuity with the beginning of the Iron Age; We refer to 1200 before the appearance of the figure of Jesus.
Friendship between man and dog: long and natural
Dogs come directly from wolf herds, which had to change their behavior as a form of survival. It is not known who came first, if they or human beings. The exchange of food and domestication had to generate genetic changes in these animals. In fact, the relationship between this species and humans has a biochemical explanation. Like men, dogs have oxytocin, colloquially known as ‘love hormone’.
This substance is related to pleasant sensations in the brain; When a dog shares with his owner, he activates as is the case with a couple in love; This would be the reason why dogs have a relationship considered unique to us. Biochemical explanations make the difference between the behavior of dogs with humans and other animals; No animal has developed such closeness with the human being.
There are many hypotheses and postures about the evolution of dogs. Right now, academics from all over the world seek to explain their migrations, domestication and the origin of the successful interest relationship. The scientific and public interest on the subject seems to increase in the last decade.
There are those who think that domestication could not happen before the Neolithic and yes. The truth is that the trace of these friendly and intelligent animals is followed. Meanwhile, we can all enjoy the company of our four -legged friends; Beyond the scientific fact, friendship between man and dog is a palpable reality.
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