MOLA’s zooarchaeology experts and archaeological data were utilised during an academic investigation into the impact of the Agricultural Revolution on London livestock.
The study researched the effects of commercialisation and animal husbandry on livestock following the Black Death.
Richard Thomas and Matilda Holmes, from the School of Archaeology and Ancient History at the University of Leicester, were awarded funding from The City of London Archaeological Trust to carry out the study.
The research considered changes in the size of domestic cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens in London and its hinterland from AD 1200-1900, following the Black Death. Changes in size were found to be linked to possible animal plagues and also to reflect innovation and commercialisation of animal husbandry. The findings of the study were published in the peer reviewed Journal of Archaeological Science in 2013.
