Livestock in Leptis Magna: A Study in Light of Archaeological Evidence

Abstract

This research examines livestock in the city of Leptis Magna and its role in the economic and social life of antiquity, particularly during the Roman period. Animal husbandry was a fundamental element of the agricultural system upon which the city's inhabitants relied, alongside agriculture and maritime trade, contributing to the city's economic and food security.

Archaeological evidence discovered in Leptis Magna indicates the widespread raising of sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs. This evidence consists of skeletal remains found in houses, residential buildings, and fill layers, reflecting patterns of dietary consumption and the use of animals for meat and its byproducts, such as milk and hides. These remains also indicate the presence of organized pastoral activity in the areas surrounding the city

Furthermore, artistic representations, inscriptions, and mosaics, both within the city and in its surrounding region, underscore the importance of animals in daily life and their symbolic significance, as they were associated with hunting scenes and public displays. Public structures, such as the amphitheater, also reveal the use of animals in performances and gladiatorial contests, reflecting a social and recreational aspect of livestock utilization

The research concludes that livestock farming in Leptis Magna was not a secondary activity, but rather a significant economic and social pillar, contributing to the city's prosperity and continuity. Furthermore, the discovered archaeological evidence reflects a sophisticated level of organization and utilization of animal resources within the local Roman society.