4) both the dogs and bears exhibited injuries, but many were healed. Fracture healing times suggest the dogs were surviving for at least 6 weeks post injury and probably more.
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5) large numbers of horse bones were found at the sites. They had extensive age-related pathologies and very worn teeth. Most likely knackered horses imported to Bankside (Southwark) as dog and bear food.
6) the horse bones had been gnawed by carnivores, and so had the bear and dog bones. Conclusion: after death the animals were fed to one another. Stable isotope data (C and N) confirmed that dogs and bears had very similar diets.
7) we know from archival work and the archaeological remains that these excavations uncovered the sites of @roseplayhouse.bsky.social and @shakespearesglobe.bsky.social plus 4 different baiting arenas - Payne’s Standings, Bear Garden 3a, The Hope and Davies dating c.1540-1680
8) the faunal composition from the playhouse sites was very different to that of the baiting arenas. They had more domestic food animals and fewer dogs and horses.
9) using all the above evidence we developed a model for identifying bear-baiting assemblages, for sites without such a rich archival record as Bankside. We look forward to seeing it explored!
This research required collaboration between lots of specialists and archives. Zooarchaeology was led by @lizziewright20.bsky.social and archival research by @callanjd.bsky.social. Isotope analysis was performed @uonclassarch.bsky.social and @britgeosurvey.bsky.social .
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