Traction in Neolithic Çatalhöyük? Palaeopathological analysis of cattle and aurochs remains from the East and West Mounds

Cattle traction was a technological innovation that made significant impact on production, individual and household wealth, social organisation. Despite ongoing debates regarding the origins extent of harnessing cattle power among early agropastoral societies, only few studies have attempted at addressing this matter systematically. In Neolithic Çatalhöyük, several explored symbolism domestication aurochs cattle, while systematic investigation Bos skeletal remains presence has been missing. This study focuses Çatalhöyük in Central Anatolia, renowned for its symbolism, to explore possibility 7th 6th millennium BCE. We studied palaeopathological traces lower limbs from East (Early, Middle, Late) West Mounds. Our results suggest arthropathies are present (particularly anterior elements) all phases Çatalhöyük. Pathological sub-pathological changes average more severe small than preceding periods East, result affected by rather deformed specimens West. did not observe any clear correlation between survivorship, size, pathology severity. Although an unequivocal association pathologies prehistoric challenging, we discuss plausible explanations changing nature intensity throughout time. Furthermore, implications possible draught use socioeconomic shifts experienced BC.