'Amqa: Faunal Remains from the Late Fatimid-Early Crusader Periods

This report analyzes faunal remains found in a building complex at 'Amqa, primarily from the late Fatimid-early Crusader periods (eleventh-twelfth centuries CE). The assemblage consists mainly of cattle, sheep and goats, with a smaller number of camel, wild boar, equid, chicken and tortoise remains. Cattle bones, particularly from young individuals, are most prevalent, suggesting a focus on cattle rearing. Butchery marks indicate the use of tools for carcass processing, and bone fragmentation patterns suggest both intentional breakage and natural weathering. Comparisons with other sites from the same period highlight the unique predominance of cattle in 'Amqa, possibly due to the exploitation of nearby wetland habitats. The findings suggest that Building 17 may have been involved in livestock production during the Early Islamic period. Added keywords: fauna, cattle, caprines, butchering, Early Islamic period.