“Unearthed After Centuries: The Stunning Discovery of a Roman Dog That Could Rewrite History!”
Could you imagine digging through centuries-old ruins and finding something as surprising as an ancient Roman dog? I mean, seriously, how often do you strike archaeological gold while getting your hands dirty in Velzeke, Belgium? Researchers recently unearthed the remarkably well-preserved remains of a canine companion—a discovery that raises all sorts of questions about the role our furry friends played in ancient civilizations. Did this pooch have a royal past, or was it just someone’s adorable house pet? Whatever the case may be, its unearthing among over 700 other relics shines a light on the everyday lives of those who walked the earth long before us. Buckle up as we dive into this captivating tale of history, ritual, and man’s best friend—who might have been doing a lot more than just guarding the home front! LEARN MORE.
While digging among the ruins of a settlement that was inhabited between the first and third centuries C.E., researchers uncovered the ancient canine beneath the stone foundation of a Roman building.
Arne Verbrugge/SOLVA Dienst ArcheologieThe well-preserved remains of a Roman dog, unearthed at an archaeological site in Velzeke, Belgium.
Beneath a stone foundation in Velzeke, Belgium, researchers recently made an astounding discovery: the well-preserved remains of an ancient Roman dog.
This find was one of more than 700 relics dating back to somewhere between the first and third centuries C.E. that were unearthed in a roughly 3,200-square-feet area. Other discoveries included pieces of pottery, coins, and the remnants of a Roman road. Foremost among the finds, however, is the dog, which may now offer unique insight into the lives and religious practices of the ancient Romans who once inhabited Velzeke.
Roman Dog Remains Unearthed Beneath A Stone Structure In Belgium
TV OostThe remains were unusually well preserved for the region.
In the Velzeke region, well-preserved ancient remains are relatively rare. This is largely due to the conditions of the local soil, but as archaeologist Arne Verbrugge told VRT, “Because this dog was buried beneath a stone foundation, it has been exceptionally well preserved.”
The dog’s remains were handed over to the Brussels Museum of Natural Sciences for further study, but Verbrugge explained how the discovery alone can allow historians to draw some conclusions about the burial.
“What’s also interesting is the connection to a building,” Verbrugge said. “The dog was buried beneath a significant structure, and we probably have to consider this a kind of building sacrifice. We know from historical sources that dogs sometimes played a role in certain religious or ritual practices. They were meant to provide a kind of purification or cleansing — for example, during the construction of a new building or in certain healing rituals.”
As explored in a 1921 paper by Columbia University professor Alberta Mildred Franklin, dogs in particular had a ritualistic association with Hecate, the goddess of magic, witchcraft, sorcery, and ghosts, and there were numerous festivals involving dogs — especially as sacrifices.
TV OostThe dog’s burial may have served a ritual purpose, though the exact nature of such a rite is unclear.
One of the most notable ceremonies was the Supplicia Canum, or the “punishment of the dogs,” which involved parading live dogs, suspended from a forked device, through the city. In the same procession, meanwhile, geese adorned in gold and purple were given great honor. This was meant to commemorate the Gallic siege of Rome in 390 B.C.E., during which the cries of geese alerted Romans to the nighttime assault, while the city’s watchdogs, oddly, failed to respond.
Another festival, the Robigalia, saw dogs sacrificed to the deity Robigus, who was believed to cause crop rust. The sacrifice was meant to appease Robigus and ensure a fruitful harvest.
In the Lupercalia, a festival promoting purification and fertility, dogs were among the animals sacrificed by the Luperci priests. Following the sacrifices, these priests would run through the city, striking bystanders with thongs made from the skins of the sacrificed animals, a practice believed to bestow fertility and ease childbirth.
Despite such ceremonies, however, dogs were still largely respected as protective, watchful figures.
SOLVA Dienst ArcheologiePieces of Roman-era pottery found in Velzeke.
While the exact purpose of the dog burial found at the Velzeke dig site remains unclear, Verbrugge’s assumption that it was intended as some kind of ritual sacrifice aligns with previously observed ancient Roman practices. After all, based on this recent excavation and others in the past, it is well documented that Velzeke had a rather large Roman population during antiquity.
Other Discoveries From Velzeke Showcase The City’s Roman Roots
SOLVA Dienst ArcheologieThe 3,200-square-foot archaeological site where the remains were found.
In this 3,200-square-foot area alone, archaeologists have found 700 traces of Roman settlement from the first through third centuries C.E. But according to Verbrugge, “That’s not so unusual. Previous excavations have already shown that this was a very intensively inhabited area.”
Joking Hazard Deck Enhancement #3 - Expansion Pack for Fun Party Games by Cyanide & Happiness, 100 New Hilarious Comic Cards | Perfect for Game Night
$9.60 (as of October 7, 2025 18:41 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
KiddyCare Diaper Caddy Organizer for Baby Nursery Basket with Handle Lid Nursing Caddy with Changing Table Organizer Cart Newborn Caddy Rosy (Floral Print) X-Large
$17.50 (as of October 7, 2025 18:41 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
RIVER OF GOODS Mid-Century Modern Transitional LED Bronze Chrome Ceiling Fan - 52" L x 52" W - Rich Barnwood/Light Driftwood Fan Blades - Metallic Ceiling Fan with Light and Fabric Shade
(as of October 7, 2025 18:41 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Kinsa Smart,Fever, Digital Medical Baby, Kid and Adult Termometro - Accurate, Fast, FDA Cleared Thermometer for Oral, Armpit or Rectal Temperature Reading - QuickCare
$24.78 (as of October 7, 2025 18:41 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
