Archaeologists discover 4,000-year-old dog paw print in Turkey

Archaeologists in Turkey discovered a dog paw print preserved on an ancient mudbrick from the Bronze Age.

The discovery occurred at Tavşanlı Höyük, one of the largest Bronze Age settlements in western Anatolia. Researchers found the mudbrick among the rubble of a collapsed building that had been destroyed by fire. Experts believe a dog stepped on the brick while the mud was still wet, creating an impression that remained as the material dried.

The archaeological context suggests the print is approximately 4,000 years old. The excavation at Tavşanlı Höyük began in 2021 under the leadership of Erkan Fidan from Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University. The site covers about 45 hectares and contains evidence of human habitation dating back 8,000 years. While previous finds at the site include ceramics and flint, this specific trace provides a rare look at the daily lives of ancient people and their relationship with animals.