It was unclear whether the dog died from natural causes or was killed to be buried with its owner. Researchers suspect that the dog was buried for sentimental purposes rather than for sacrificial rites.
In addition to the Stone Age dog’s grave, the archaeologists discovered the remains of about 60 houses, as well as pieces of flint and fireplaces, illustrating that the settlement was rich with life before the flooding.
Dogs were likely domesticated several times in various cultures, but they have been living alongside humans since at least 33,000 years ago.
In 2013, an analysis of a canine skull unearthed in Siberia showed that its DNA was more similar to modern dogs than coyotes, wolves, and prehistoric canid species.
The oldest known grave to contain both dogs and humans was a 14,000-year-old burial in western Germany.
The canid remains suggested that the dog was young and sick at the time of its death, but people still bonded with it.
After the Stone Age dog was excavated and archaeological work wrapped up, construction crews started building residential housing at the site.
