Knife twists mystery of dog burials

Roman dog graveyard discovered

source: Maev Kennedy Guardian January 1 2002 p6

An archaeological investigation in Silchester, Hampshire, England, has found what appears to be a Roman graveyard for dogs. Reading University researchers are investigating the site, which includes the grave of a dog buried with a young child, and a grave with a dog standing upright, and buried carefully so as to keep it standing as though it was on guard. A knife has also been found at the site showing two dogs mating on its carved ivory handle. The dogs have blunt muzzles, unlike dogs usually shown in Roman mosaics and sculptures. Silchester was abandoned as the Roman influence in Britain declined, unlike most Roman towns, which later became cities.
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