A new study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science found evidence that the ancient Egyptians practiced falconry and used raptors as birds of prey for their hunting, according to the Daily Mail. The study used mummified bird remains to examine the mass breeding of raptors and found a connection to the practice of falconry.
"The idea of birds of prey being bred to the extent of being kept and force-fed is new," said Salima Ikram, lead author of the study. "Until now, the sheer number of raptor mummies had been a mystery - did they catch or trap them and kill them, raid nests, or find them dead? Our results explain why they had so many: we now think it was because of active breeding."
Millions of mummified animals have been found in Egypt, with the majority of them dating from approximately 600 BC to AD 250. Although the ancient Egyptians used animals as offerings to gods, Ikram and his team believe that the large number of raptors was the result of systemic breeding of them for falconry, according the Red Orbit.
The researchers examined the morphology, beak shape and limb measurements of the mummified bird remains before determining that it belonged to the European kestrel (Falco tinnunculus).
The team also found remains in the fossils that pointed to the animals being force-fed, according to Ancient Origins.
"The fact that this kestrel's gizzard contained the teeth of mice, and parts of a sparrow, in addition to the final mouse whose tail was stuck in its esophagus, suggests that it was force fed," the paper says. "This method of feeding animals (different birds, cattle, and even hyenae) was commonly practiced by the ancient Egyptians."
