New Genome Study Traces Cat Domestication to Roman Era

A recent genome study has shed light on the history of cat domestication, highlighting a significant milestone in the timeline of felines living alongside humans. Researchers determined that domestic cats were introduced to Europe from North Africa approximately 2,000 years ago, coinciding with the expansion of the Roman Empire and maritime trade.

Insights from Genetic Research

The study, led by Claudio Ottoni from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, utilized genetic data from cat remains found in 97 archaeological sites across Europe and the Near East. By analyzing 225 bones from both domestic and wild cats, the researchers generated 70 ancient feline genomes. Their findings challenge the long-held belief that cats were domesticated much earlier, around 6,000 to 7,000 years ago, when early farmers migrated into Europe.

Ottoni noted, “We show that the earliest domestic cat genomes in Europe are found from the Roman imperial period onwards, starting in the first century AD.” This suggests that the relationship between humans and cats became established during this era, rather than in prehistoric times.

The Role of Trade and Cultural Exchange

The introduction of domestic cats to Europe is seen as a pivotal moment in their integration into human societies. As Marco De Martino, a co-author of the study, explained, “Cats became deeply integrated into human societies, economies, and even belief systems.” The research indicates that cats likely traveled aboard ships as effective hunters of mice, helping to protect grain supplies during the transport of goods across the Mediterranean.

Notably, the study highlights that there were multiple introductions of cats from North Africa. Around 2,200 years ago, wildcats were brought to the island of Sardinia, but these were not domestic cats. A subsequent introduction roughly 200 years later laid the genetic foundation for modern domestic cats in Europe. According to Bea De Cupere from the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, “The timing of the genetic waves of introduction from North Africa coincides with periods when trade around the Mediterranean intensified strongly.” Cats were not only valued as pest controllers but also held significant religious and cultural importance, especially in ancient Egypt.

Evidence from Roman military camps across Europe supports the notion that the ancient Roman army played a crucial role in the spread of domestic cats. The earliest identified domestic cat from the study, genetically similar to contemporary breeds, was discovered in Mautern, Austria, and dates back to between 50 BC and 80 AD.

While this research provides a clearer understanding of when domestic cats arrived in Europe, it does not fully unravel the complexities of their initial domestication. “Cat domestication is complex,” Ottoni remarked, “and what we can tell now is the timing of the introduction of domestic cats to Europe from North Africa.” Further studies are needed to explore the earlier phases of cat domestication and their origins.

The findings of this genome study, published in the journal Science, offer a nuanced perspective on the historical relationship between humans and domestic cats, underscoring the significance of trade and cultural exchange in shaping this connection.