Freshwater fishing at the Neolithic site of Rakushechny Yar

Abstract

AbstractThe multilayer settlement site of Rakushechny Yar is located at the northwestern end of an island on the Lower Don River, Rostow region, Russia. It is one of the earliest Neolithic sites in the region, dating from the 7th to the 6th millennia cal BC. During the excavation of the settlement, numerous fish remains were found. To gain an impression of the fish species caught, the largest assemblages, recovered during recent excavations, from the Early Neolithic layers and one pit dated to the middle of the 6th millennia cal BC were analysed.The fish remains were quantified and total fish lengths were estimated. This revealed the relative importance of particular species, with wels catfish (Silurus glanis) being especially well‐represented, and additionally provided insight into the possible fishing methods employed and season of capture. The data demonstrate that the assemblage was dominated by the remains of freshwater species that could have been fished in the Lower Don River nearby. The spring and summer seasons were probably the most favourable time for capture, although fishing could also have been conducted throughout the year.