Morphometric evolution of the domestic triad, in western Gallia Narbonensis (southern France, Languedoc), between the 2nd c.BC and the 4th c.AD: Preliminary and critical use of log size index for diachronic analysis

In bioarchaeology, the biometry of archaeozoological remains is an important component studies on domestic species and size has been used for multiple purposes from identifying domestication, to track environmental changes or evolution husbandry practices. The establishment Roman Empire accompanied by social, political economic transformations that also reflect in farming practices animal husbandry. southern France, biometric variation already partially perceived during times, particularly cattle, but lack chronological accuracy statistical validation. This paper presents a diachronic analysis linear measurements post-cranial bones belonging triad (sheep, goat, cattle suids) western Gallia Narbonensis (France), between conquest Late Antiquity, i.e. 200 BCE 400 AD. Biometric data 64 archaeological sites, excavated studied over more than 30 years preventive archaeology, were analysed using Log Size Index (LSI) approach time as continuous variable. 5533 first per bone variable, then separating length, breadth depth dimensions, revealed different trends, highly influenced number measurements, reflecting allometric differences cases asynchronous evolution. However, these allometries within are small when compared interspecies differences. Overall, four taxa increased 2nd century BC Cattle pig sizes decreased AD only 4th onwards goats, while sheep tends increase 3rd-4th centuries. If influences animals, this does not affect same way. potentially reflects differentiated agropastoral strategies each part period. study, which provides cross-species study framework, should be seen step in-depth understanding micro-regional socio-economic morphologies.