Remains of ancient, indigenous dogs found at Jamestown, as well as proof people ate them

Phys dot org ^ | January 5, 2023 | Saleen Martin

[SunkenCiv]

Indigenous dogs roamed Jamestown in the early 17th century, and out of desperation during harsh winter months, some colonists ate them, researchers have proven.

A team of archaeologists at the University of Iowa was able to extract DNA from remains found at Jamestown and confirm that they belonged to ancient dogs that were likely wolf or coyote-sized.

It's the first time proof has ever been found that indigenous dogs were at Jamestown in the 17th century. The bones are part of an artifact collection owned by Jamestown Rediscovery, part of the historic preservation group called Preservation Virginia.

"They have lineages reaching back to some of the earliest introduction of dogs to North America, so around ... 13,000 years ago," said Ariane Thomas, a Ph.D. student at the University of Iowa.

[Grampa Dave]

“In an era, when the eldest son usually inherited everything, haring off to the new world might seem less chancey than hoping big brother didn’t turn you out.”

A couple of my Brit ancestors were not the first born and were apparently from wealthy families, Their parents paid their way and financed them to go to the new world.

One such fellow was a sea going Brit Captain, and his parents bought him a ship, paid for a crew sent him to NC to live. On his way over he bought a female Greek slave and married her.

Many apparently well funded Englishmen from well established families and were paid to come to the new world. That well funded group preferred the New England area and north Virginia areas.

My later Scottish, Irish and German ancestors were not well funded!