Project SACHROFICS enabled me to expand my faunal reference collection to the point that it has become the first of its kind available at a Cypriot Institution @STARC_CyI @STARC_CyI. It's open to all who'd like to use it. Here's the latest database:.

New entries in the comparative collection @STARC_CyI. They enable more & reliable identifications of ancient animal remains through comparative osteology. Link to updated database will be posted soon. Unbelievable that collection now has 224 specimens (up 150+ in last 3 years!).

Such a pleasure to talk on public TV about #zooarchaeology, how it works within #archaeology, & how it helps us solve modern problems. Thank you RIK and lovely people of the Spiti sti Fysi (House in Nature) show. Episode is avail. here (in Greek):.

The things I see on bones. .

Most #animal #bones are food remains. Sometimes beautiful objects come my way. Identification is difficult due to modification of their original shape.This bone pin adorned the hair or clothes of a person in #Hellenistic #Paphos,#Cyprus. Ancient people were just like you and me🤠

Oh poor dog of Nicosia. .

. and he talked about SACHROFICS and the topic of animal sacrifice in the past too!☺️☺️☺️.

Faunal reference collection @STARC_CyI @CyprusInstitute has hit the milestone of 200 specimens!🥳🥳🥳 Enabled through a donation by one of zooarchaeology’s living legends, Simon Davis. Thanks!.Collection is open to everyone. Updated database here: .

It's a pleasure working with Lucy Maun @STARC_CyI. Lucy is a summer intern on project ‘Curation of faunal collections and production of 3D models of animal skeletons for research and public outreach applications’. We’ll share results soon. Thank you for your excellent work Lucy!

A fresh article on human-environment interactions 10-12 thousand years ago in the #Limassol area. Many thanks to Jean-Denis Vigne for leading it. Unfortunately not open access (perhaps a pre-print copy asap). #Cyprus #environment #animals.

#Halloumi (aka white gold of #Cyprus)! If you have a child or feel like one, have a look at this page on halloumi-making. Participated as a scientific advisor. Unfortunately available only in Greek (for now). Enjoy & spread the joy! @STARC_CyI .

Stable isotope analysis on an animal tooth opens a window into the life of that animal. SACHROFICS samples modern&ancient sheep to approach their management in ancient Cyprus. This sampled mouflon third molar (your wisdom tooth) can reveal info birth season and diet! #LoveZooarch

Faunal reference collection @CyprusInstitute on a growth spurt! Now consists of 177 skeletons available for zooarchaeological & other animal-related research (and art!). If useful to you, get in touch. Full database available (click hyperlink 'database'):.

New 'members' of the faunal reference collection @STARC_CyI! Two snakes (Levant viper and Montpellier snake) and a predator of theirs (a cat). Reptiles and cats are somewhat rarer archaeological finds but if you are not ready to identify something, you probably won't find it!

Another public outreach for school children. I cannot think of a better place to do it than the coast of my beloved Mediterranean sea! #Zooarchaeology @STARC_CyI #Cyprus #Animals #Archaeology

Biogeographically #Cyprus is SW Asia. The long-eared hedgehog of Cyprus is better-adapted to hot climate (e.g. larger ears) than its European cousin. Today 2 skeletons join the Faunal Reference Collection @STARC_CyI to help us learn more about its past in Cyprus! #zooarchaeology

Looks like chewing gum stuck on mouflon teeth but it's resin to produce casts of the chewing surface. Under microscope, casts are studied to characterise animal diet. Another #zooarchaeology technique @STARC_CyI!.Many thanks to Lefteris Hadjisterkotis!.#animals #Archaeology

Interested in a summer internship @CyprusInstitute? You can browse available projects here and apply. One is about #zooarchaeology. just mentioning:-).

#Rats! You know you love them! Time to boost the rat population in the ref collection. Two species to choose your beloved one from. Both are found in Cyprus, R. norvegicus likely a recent accidental introduction as its distribution is more restricted. @CyprusInstitute 🐀❤️🐀❤️🐀