Bird remains in Roman Graves
Roel C.G.M. Lauwerier

ABSTRACT: In burials dating to the Roman period birds, as well as other animals, are found included as grave goods. Such birds are mainly domestic fowl and were often prepared as a meal for the dead. Any relationship between such gifts of food and the terracotta or metal bird figurines that have also been found in graves, is suggested to be unlikely. The fact that chickens are, after pig, the most frequently recovered animals from grave deposits, may well give a totally wrong impression as the original animal composition of the food given to the deceased. In general, grave gifts of domestic fowl were given to both men and women in similar quantities. The suggestion that chicken was used as a feminine symbol within the burial ritual, must be rejected.