Berenice pet cemetery
Shown within Egypt | |
Interactive map of Berenice pet cemetery | |
| Location | Berenike, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt |
|---|---|
| Region | Upper Egypt |
| Coordinates | 23°56′45″N 35°29′18″E / 23.94583°N 35.48833°E |
| Type | Pet cemetery |
| Area | 104 m2 (1,120 sq ft) |
| History | |
| Founded | c. late 1st century CE |
| Abandoned | c. mid 2nd century CE |
| Periods | Roman Egypt |
| Site notes | |
| Discovered | 2011 |
| Condition | Ruin |
The Berenice pet cemetery is a pet cemetery in Berenike, Egypt, dating from the 1st–2nd century CE. It contains the remains of more than 580 individual animals including cats, dogs, and monkeys. It is among the oldest known animal cemeteries in the world.
Unlike other animal burials in Egypt, none of the animals at Berenike were mummified. Some of the animals were buried with collars and several of the animals had evidence of injuries that would have necessitated human care for their survival.
The arrangement of the animals is purposeful, and some were intentionally placed in sleep-like positions. Many are accompanied by trinkets, wrapped in shawls, or covered with pieces of amphora.