New data on non‐human primates from the ancient Near East: The recent discovery of a rhesus macaque burial at Shahr‐i Sokhta (Iran)

A rare and significant archaeological discovery at Shahr-i Sokhta, Iran—a rhesus macaque burial dating to the fourth-to-second millennium BC—reveals new insights into the exploitation of non-human primates in antiquity. The young macaque, approximately 5 years old, was interred using funerary practices similar to those for human infants, accompanied by an unpainted beaker. Pathological analysis of its femurs suggests it was likely kept in captivity, experiencing physical stress prior to death. Native to Central Asia but not Iran, the macaque's provenance may trace back to the Indus valley, hinting at long-distance trade and cultural exchange during this period. This finding underscores the symbolic and luxury value of monkeys in ancient Near Eastern societies, representing one of the earliest documented instances of primates being kept as pets.

Minniti, C., & Sajjadi, S. M. S. (2019). New data on non‐human primates from the ancient Near East: The recent discovery of a rhesus macaque burial at Shahr‐i Sokhta (Iran). International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 29(4), 538–548. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/oa.2750