4,000-Year-Old Dog Paw Prints Discovered

The ancient history of Anatolia has been enriched by another interesting discovery. During archaeological excavations at Tavşanlı Höyük in Kütahya Province, considered one of the most important centers of the Bronze Age, researchers uncovered an unusual ancient brick. Scientists estimate that the artifact is around 4,000 years old.

According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the unusual imprint was created during construction work in ancient times. A dog stepped on a soft clay brick before it had fully dried. Although the settlement was later destroyed by a major fire, the paw print on the brick survived without significant damage and has remained preserved to the present day.

Tavşanlı Höyük, covering an area of about 45 hectares, was of great importance in antiquity. According to experts, around 3,700 years ago, before it was destroyed by fire, the site served as the capital of an entire region. The history of the settlement itself stretches back around 8,000 years.

Important historical discoveries had also previously been made at the site. In particular, researchers found a total of seven small anthropomorphic figurines dating back about 4,500 years. Archaeologists continue excavations in the area in the hope of uncovering further secrets of the past.