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A multidisciplinary project, combining zooarchaeological and archaeogenomics data, which are critical for understanding the temporal and geographical dynamics that shaped the genomic composition of Iberian sheep.
The earliest known sheep in Portugal are dated to c. 5450 cal BC, from the Neolithic site of Lameiras, near Sintra, and c. 5500-5250 BC, from Caldeirão cave, near Tomar. Zooarchaeological evidence indicates they were introduced by boat in the Early Neolithic. Osteometric studies of Iberian sheep pointed out 1) a change of body shape between Chalcolithic and Iron Age times; 2) a significant increase in size in the Islamic period, while the bone shape remained constant after Roman times. Moreover, written sources indicate that Romans improved the wool quality of their sheep in southern Spain. ARIES aims to elucidate the origins, evolutionary trajectories, and modes of improvement of Iberian sheep, covering key prehistorical and historical periods.
The sampling strategy was designed to allow hypothesis testing and answer key questions regarding introduction of new sheep stock in Iberia and the modes of sheep improvement at different times in the past. It includes ~350 sheep specimens, from the Neolithic to Modern times, from archaeological sites located in the Iberian Peninsula, neighbouring Mediterranean regions and North Africa. This large collection will help offset challenges associated with ancient DNA retrieval from archaeological remains.
Map of archaeological sampling sites. Portugal: A – Ammaia, B – Beja, CV – Cacela Velha, C – Carnide, CM – Castro Marim, CH – Chibanes, CO – Coimbra/Conímbriga, L – Leceia, LO – Loulé, MM – Monte Molião, ODR – São Miguel de Odrinhas, P – Perdigões, SA – Alcáçova de Santarém, S - Silves; Spain: C – Cáceres, CT – Catalonia (4 sites), MA – Málaga, M – Mérida, PV – Pontevedra , V – Valladolid; Tunisia: Althiburos (not shown); Italy: 4 sites (not shown).
The ARIES project started in 2023 and is set to continue for three years.
Contact aries@biopolis.pt to get more information about the project
