Backbone of society: evidence for social and economic status of the Iron Age population of Tel Rehov, Beth She'an valley, Israel

Zooarchaeological data from Iron Age urban contexts may reveal information pertaining to ancient economy, society, and culture. In this paper, a large sample of animal bones from the domestic quarters of Iron Age Tel Reḥov in the Beth Shean Valley region of northern Israel is considered. An analysis of livestock herd demography and butchery patterns is used to explore the foodways of the inhabitants of the city. The meat consumption habits of the population included the regular partaking of gourmet portions of sheep and goat meat from young animals, most of which were males-which indicates a strong consumer economy. Wild-boar hunting was practiced, and its flesh was occasionally eaten. The consumption of gourmet portions of livestock animals and the practice of wild-boar hunting suggest that Iron Age Reḥov was inhabited by a socioeconomic elite.