Archaeozoological Insights into the Husbandry of Domestic Ruminants at Monastic and Noble Sites in Medieval Croatia

Animal husbandry played a central role in the economy of medieval Croatia, yet little comparative archaeozoological research was performed on noble and monastic sites. The aim of the present paper is to compare the proportions and use of cattle, sheep, and goats at noble and monastic sites dating from the 13th to 16th centuries. Out of 25,739 animal remains, 8923 were identified, with cattle (N = 2819) and small ruminants (N = 1791) among the most frequent species. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in species distribution between some monastic and noble sites. Cattle were the dominant species at two monasteries and three castles, while small ruminants were the most frequent species at one monastic and one noble site. Age profiles suggested a greater use of subadult and adult animals across all sites, suggesting breeding for secondary products. Estimated height at the withers was 108.5 cm for cattle, 60 cm for sheep, and 65.6 cm for goats. Logarithmic bone width analysis showed no statistically significant differences in animal size between site types, though some noble sites had larger individuals. The results point to both shared and distinct animal husbandry practices between the two site categories and contribute to our understanding of medieval dietary and economic patterns in continental Croatia.