6 of the First Domesticated Animals

Humans have long used animals to make their lives a little easier. Since the time of the hunter-gatherers, men taught animals to help them with work, as well as guard and protect them and their food. Below are the first few animals that we had domesticated over the past thousands of years.

Dogs

Dogs have stayed by our side for more than 10,000 years. They stared out like wolves, wild and free, but humans started to befriend them and domesticated them. Archaeologist can set domesticated canines apart from wild wolves though certain features, like smaller teeth and "Sagittal crest". Different dig sites across the world confirmed that canine domestication is a worldwide phenomenon

Cows

There are a number of wild cattle that were domesticated in different places and times. thetaurine, which is the most common early domesticated cattle, is said to have been domesticated around 8,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent. They are also the most common domesticated cattle used in trading. The zebu, which originated in the area around Pakistan, was domesticated 7,000 years ago. While the capeletti, which was common in the African and Egyptian areas, were used by humans as early as 9,000 years ago.

Goats and Sheep

We can’t forget the other common heard animals. Humans are said to have herded goats and sheep in about the same time as they domesticated dogs. Goats and sheep are mainly used as livestock, for food, milk, fur and their skin. Sheep are more common in colder areas since people needed their wool to create fabrics. 

Horses

The strongest animal that humans have ever domesticated, horses are used in agriculture, trade, constructions of empires, and even to war. These huge beasts have definitely made our lives much easier, especially when it comes to listing heavy load. There are still a few wild horses in certain parts of the world. However some wild horses are actually feral horses like the mustangs in the United States and the brumby in Australia.

Cats

Cats became our companions at around 7000 years ago when we started to grow our own food instead of gathering or hunting. As humans stored and collected grain, cats became very useful to help keep mice away. The ancient Egyptians are said to be the first people who domesticated these animals, not just to help them keep the mice away, but for religious and cultural purposes as well. they worshiped a cat-goddess and treated their cats will the highest respect. They even mummified them when they passed away.

Snails

This might sound shocking, but snails are actually one of the first animals we domesticated. Our ancestors kept them mainly for food since snails are packed with nutrients and they’re easy to take care of. Many Paleolithic digs have also found large numbers of snail shells, taking their domestication back to earlier than 12,000 years ago. Since they’re very close to containing all the nutrients we need, they’re also very famous with traders, pilgrims and even those who went in campaigns.