Dogs in the Wroclaw Stronghold, 2nd Half of the 10th–1st Half of the 13th Century (Lower Silesia, Poland)—An Zooarchaeological Overview

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Over the centuries of coexistence between humans and dogs, both the appearance of our four-legged companions and their social perception have changed. This article aims at identifying the most probable morphological and functional types of dogs found in Poland in the period from the 10th to the first half of the 13th century. The authors will also try to address the issue of how dogs were treated in the early Middle Ages and what social and economic roles these animals played. These considerations are based on the remains of several dozen dogs discovered in the medieval Wroclaw stronghold, one of the most important centres in Poland at the time. We will use finds from other archaeological sites in Poland and written sources concerning this part of Europe. It has been proven that specific “breeds” of dogs were found in this area. Their appearance and size were probably related to the specific function of the quadrupeds. Dogs were treated very differently in the early Middle Ages: Both as a companion for the elite, and as a source of skins, bones, and even meat. ABSTRACT: This article pertains to the issue of early medieval dogs (10th–mid-13th century) from the territory of Poland and Central Europe. The study is based on dog remains from the Wroclaw Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski), one of the most important administrative centres of early medieval Poland, the capital of a secular principality and the seat of diocese authorities. The main morphological and functional types of dogs living in Wroclaw and other parts of Poland were characterized on that basis. It has been concluded that the roles and perceptions of dogs were very ambiguous. On the one hand, they were hunting companionship for the elite and were considered a symbol of devotion and loyalty. On the other hand, dogs symbolised disgrace. In everyday life, these animals were sometimes abused, their skin was sometimes tanned and their bones modified into tools, and in exceptional cases, dogs were even eaten.