The settlement of the commodity culture existed between 3650 and 3100 BC, and this discovery sheds new light on the history of human relations with cattle and sheep. It was traditionally believed for a long time that people raised cows, goats, sheep and other animals for their meat, hides and bones. However, recent research shows that dairy farming came to Europe in the early Neolithic.

Why is this discovery so interesting?

In a recent study, scientists discovered that people with the Linear and Banded Pottery culture stored dairy products in their containers, as analysis of 4,327 clay pots from 70 prehistoric settlements showed. At the same time, analysis of ancient DNA shows that dairy farming spread much earlier. Allele rs4988235-A associated with stable lactose tolerance in European populations.

To find out if Neolithic Europeans reduced the negative effects of lactose intolerance, Miranda Evans of York University, together with colleagues from Britain and Poland, conducted a proteomic analysis (protein analysis and identification of new proteins) of four goblet culture dishes. Archaeologists found ancient artifacts at the Slavencinek site during rescue excavations in 2016.

In ancient samples, scientists found milk proteins unique to sheep, goat, and cow’s milk, suggesting that Slavencinek residents obtained this product from a variety of horned animals, large and small.

Discovery site of ancient pottery with traces of cheese / Royal Society Open Science

The researchers also found caseins, which are complex proteins formed during the fermentation of milk in one of the old dishes, specifically one of the “collar” bottles. Further comparison with experimental samples led the scientists to conclude that the inhabitants of Slavencinek processed dairy products into cheese or cottage cheese.

This discovery shows that the people of the Lilac ware culture produced a product that could be stored longer and transported more easily. Additionally, processed milk contained less lactose, reducing the negative consequences of lactose intolerance in adulthood. This discovery provides valuable information about the history of dairy farming and its impact on the development of human society.