Kulturgeschichte der Nutztiere

This volume explores how humans have shaped—and been shaped by—the animals that serve our societies. Beginning with the earliest archaeological finds, it traces the development of companion and work animals from the Neolithic settlements of Central Europe through the classical world, drawing on bone studies, ancient texts, and artistic depictions. The author weaves scientific insight with cultural narratives, revealing how each species—dog, cattle, goat, sheep, pig, donkey, horse, camel, and many others—found its place in daily life, myth, and economy.

Richly illustrated with previously unpublished plates, the book offers a visual journey that brings ancient farms, hunting scenes, and ceremonial uses to life. Readers will discover the surprising breadth of “useful” creatures, from honey‑bees and silk moths to ornamental birds and even the roles of wild animals as symbols or sources of luxury. By the end of the first part, the work establishes a solid framework for understanding the long‑term relationship between people and the animals they have domesticated.