Beneath a stone foundation in Velzeke, Belgium, archaeologists have uncovered an extraordinary find: the well-preserved remains of a Roman-era dog. The discovery, dating back nearly 2,000 years, provides fresh insights into the lives, beliefs, and rituals of the ancient Romans who once inhabited the region.
Remarkable Discovery Beneath a Roman Structure
Buried under a sturdy stone foundation, the ancient canine was one of over 700 artifacts unearthed during an excavation spanning approximately 3,200 square feet. Among the other relics found were coins, pottery fragments, and remnants of a Roman road.
Arne Verbrugge, an archaeologist with SOLVA Dienst Archeologie, noted the rarity of such a well-preserved specimen in Velzeke. “Due to soil conditions, organic remains typically deteriorate quickly here. However, because this dog was buried beneath a stone structure, its preservation is exceptional,” Verbrugge explained in an interview with VRT.
The dog’s remains have been sent to the Brussels Museum of Natural Sciences for further analysis. Experts hope the specimen will reveal new information about the role of animals in Roman society, from their everyday functions to their possible involvement in ritual practices.
A Sacrificial Burial?
One of the most intriguing aspects of the find is its placement beneath a significant structure, leading researchers to speculate about its potential religious or ceremonial significance.
“We probably have to consider this a kind of building sacrifice,” Verbrugge said. “Historical records suggest that dogs were sometimes buried as part of religious or ritualistic customs. Their role was often linked to purification or protection, particularly during the construction of buildings or in healing ceremonies.”
Ancient Roman literature documents various ritual practices involving dogs. They were associated with Hecate, the goddess of magic and the underworld, and often played roles in sacrificial ceremonies meant to cleanse or protect spaces from misfortune.
Rituals Involving Dogs in Ancient Rome
The ancient Romans held complex relationships with dogs, valuing them for protection, companionship, and, at times, ritualistic purposes. Several festivals and ceremonies involved dogs in significant ways:
- Supplicia Canum (Punishment of the Dogs): This bizarre ritual saw live dogs paraded through the streets, while geese—considered sacred for alerting Romans to a past enemy attack—were honored with gold and purple adornments.
- Robigalia: A festival where dogs were sacrificed to Robigus, the deity believed to cause crop rust, in hopes of ensuring a successful harvest.
- Lupercalia: During this purification and fertility festival, priests known as Luperci sacrificed dogs and goats, using their skins to strike people in the streets—a practice thought to promote fertility and ease childbirth.
A Deeper Look at Roman Beliefs
Despite their role in rituals, dogs were generally regarded as loyal and protective companions in Roman society. Their presence in homes and military camps, as guardians and working animals, was widespread. However, the intertwining of practical and spiritual significance often meant that their lives were closely linked to Roman superstitions and religious observances.
Archaeologists now aim to uncover more about this particular dog’s story—was it a pet? A working animal? Or was it deliberately buried as part of an ancient rite? Further studies at the Brussels Museum of Natural Sciences may soon shed light on these questions.
