Assessing Intraspecific Morphometric Variability in Prehistoric Archaeozoological Samples of Șoimuș-Teleghi (Hunedoara County, Romania)

This study investigates intraspecific morphometric variability in the archaeozoological assemblages from the multi-period site of Șoimuș-Teleghi (Hunedoara County, Romania), encompassing occupation phases from the Early Neolithic (Starčevo-Criș culture) to the Late Bronze Age. The new AMS radiocarbon dates obtained refine the chronological framework of the site. The results reveal pronounced morphometric variability in cattle (Bos taurus), with horncore flattening indices, dental dimensions, and postcranial measurements enabling the differentiation of males, females, and probable castrates—the latter suggesting traction-oriented management strategies. A notably large horncore from the Vinča level may indicate hybridisation between domestic cattle and aurochs (Bos primigenius). Sheep (Ovis aries) display an increase in estimated withers height from the Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age, potentially reflecting improved husbandry. The pig (Sus domesticus) scapula scatter plot indicates a female-dominated culling pattern, while postcranial elements suggest relatively robust forelimbs combined with more gracile distal limb segments. Among wild taxa, red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) exhibit clear sexual dimorphism and generally large body sizes, consistent with the selective hunting of prime adult males. Comparative analysis with contemporary assemblages from Transylvania, Banat, and Hungary situates the Șoimuș-Teleghi material within broader regional trends, while highlighting certain distinctive features, particularly the large dimensions of Early Neolithic cattle and the diachronic size increase observed in caprine.