‘Their story is our story’: Pigeons and humans, 3,500 years together
Recent research indicates that pigeons have been part of human life for 3,500 years, much longer than previously believed. This study highlights their historical roles as messengers and sources of food, which diminished with technological advancements. The findings aim to reshape perceptions of pigeons, emphasizing their intertwined history with humans.
- ▪Pigeons were first domesticated around 1,400 BC, nearly a millennium earlier than previously thought.
- ▪They played significant roles in human society until the 19th and 20th centuries, serving as messengers and in wartime.
- ▪The study analyzed ancient pigeon bones from Cyprus to understand their relationship with humans during the Bronze Age.
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‘Their story is our story’: Pigeons and humans, 3,500 years togetherSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxNew research from a Dutch university showed that pigeons have been enmeshed in our lives for nearly a millennium longer than previously thought.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 21, 2026, 08:01 AMUpdated May 21, 2026, 08:01 AMPARIS – They have been our meat and our messengers, a source of fertiliser and a religious symbol: while pigeons are now mostly reviled as dirty city pests, they long played an important role in human society.Now, research published on May 21 has revealed that the humble birds were first domesticated 3,500 years ago, meaning they have been enmeshed in our lives for nearly a millennium longer than previously thought.“Humans forgetting about pigeons…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.