Introduction

Presentation by species encourages comparison between animals occupying similar ecological niches or playing similar roles in human society, and also easy comparison between cultures, allowing us to trace the presence or absence of different animals in cultural experience. There is much more that can be said about the archaeology of animals commensal with humans, such as cattle, dogs and horses, than about wild species. If one considers the history of scholarship on ancient animals in broad outline over the last hundred years or so, it is possible to see some striking shifts in perspective. A renascent scholarly interest in animals at present is obvious, and the most promising way forward is undoubtedly to be found in collaboration with other academic fields, specifically archaeology and anthropology. The relationship between humans and animals has never been one of unadulterated bliss, a theme explored in antiquity in a series of myths, fables and religious teachings.