Archeologists Find Lynx and Layers of Dogs Buried in Hungary

When archeologists dug an ancient storage pit in Zamardi, west central Hungary, they definitely had hopes of finding something interesting, but no one predicted it would be the remains of four dogs stacked on top of each other with a lynx under them.

Finding The Remains

After finding what could have been a beehive, a granary, or a grain storage hole, researchers dug 25 centimeters before finding the remains of a dog. They kept digging and finding more—another 65 cm deep, another 85 cm deep, and yet another 100 cm deep. Later, they found another skeleton—just it wasn’t a dog’s.

The Unexpected Lynx

Finding a dog’s skeleton is not rare. Unlike other livestock that are dismembered for meat, dogs aren’t eaten regularly in that part of the world. However, a lynx find was special. The bones of lynxes are almost completely missing from archeological records.

About the Lynx

A lynx is a medium-sized wild cat belonging to the genus Lynx, which includes four extant species. Two species—the Bobcats and the Canadian lynx—are in North America, while the other two are in Europe. Lynxes are carnivores with long legs and large paws. These animals are nocturnal and silent and feed on small mammals and birds.

Theories. Theories. Theories.

Some theories have popped up as researchers try to make sense of the discovery. One suggestion is that it was the result of a hunting accident, while another is that a ritual brought about this find. Time will tell if any of these theories are true.

The Ritual Theory

Many people believe that the seemingly intentional arrangement of the skeletons was a result of a ritual. The feline lies at the bottom of everything, and the dogs stay separated by about 8 to 16 inches of earth.

The Hunting Theory

Another idea is that the dogs died while hunting the lynx. However, judging by where it was found, the idea appears less likely. People who lived in the area at the estimated time of the burial survived on food from crops and domesticated animals, so hunting can be easily ruled out.

A Special Find

The European lynx is widely distributed around Europe, but claws and pelts are what humans commonly hold onto as evidence of its existence. This strange discovery makes history as the first complete archeological lynx skeleton to be found in Europe—ever!

Further Evidence Needed

Researchers understand that overinterpreting the pit without sufficient evidence is problematic. Zamardi’s multicultural setting complicates efforts to reach a definitive interpretation. Additionally, the lack of written or ethnographic materials leaves researchers without clear guidance, necessitating patience until further research can provide new insights.