New research from the University of Groningen pushes back the first recorded human‑pigeon relationship to 1400 B.C., challenging the long‑held view that domestication began later. The study, published in *Antiquity*, examined pigeon bones unearthed at an ancient Cypriot settlement, revealing that these birds were already part of human life millennia ago.

Researchers recovered 157 bones from the Late Bronze Age port city of Hala Sultan Tekke, a hub linking Cyprus to Egypt, the Levant and Turkey. Isotope analysis of 37 specimens showed a diet dominated by grains and vegetables, mirroring that of contemporary humans, and hinted that birds scavenged or were fed human scraps.

Many bones were found in a sacred ritual space, with several burned, suggesting participation in feasting rituals. The overlap in dietary signatures between pigeons and humans points to a shared environment, possibly linked to cults venerating Aphrodite, whose iconography often includes doves and pigeons. These findings reshape the narrative of early animal domestication in the Mediterranean.

The study underlines how long human influence has shaped animal species, offering insights for modern breeding programs and heritage tourism. Recognizing pigeons’ ancient role may encourage responsible stewardship of urban wildlife today. By highlighting a millennium‑old partnership, the research invites policymakers to integrate historical animal‑human dynamics into contemporary conservation strategies.