Evidence of ancient animal hybridization techniques has been uncovered through a relief in an ancient temple in Iraq.
The relief in question is a decorative frieze located at one of the entrances of the Ancient Allat Temple, a well-preserved 2,000-year-old monument in the Kingdom of Hatra, northern Iraq, according to the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage.
The ancient temple and relief depicting 3 different species of camels, including 1 hybrid species of the other 2 – (Photo: Antiquity)
Ancient sculptors depicted the head of a king surrounded by two rows of camels, five on each side. Investigations revealed that the camels at the head of each row are hybrids of two different species: the Dromedary camel and the Bactrian camel. Dromedary camels are a local breed, while Bactrian camels originate from Central Asia.
According to Ancient Origins, this clearly emphasized the method of camel hybridization during the reign of that king – who ruled in the 2nd century AD – and he was eager to introduce it to the world.
The Kingdom of Hatra, first recognized in 140 AD, had extremely developed trade and relied heavily on its robust camel herds.
The king depicted in the relief has been identified as Sanatruq I, the first king of the kingdom. He solidified his position by patronizing the camel breeding industry and “advertising” the achievements made, including promoting research into animal hybridization, which could produce offspring with more advantageous traits and greater health.
In other words, the hybrid camels of that era acted as a “guardian deity” for the king, which is also why they hold a significant place in the sacred ancient temple.
This research was recently published in the scientific journal Antiquity.
