Our Ancient Ancestors in the Middle East Loved Dining on Lizards and Snakes

Ancient Middle Eastern inhabitants once relished reptiles as a staple in their diets, according to a new study. Led by archaeologists from the University of Haifa in Israel, the research revealed that lizards and snakes were a significant part of the diet during the Natufian period, around 15,000 to 11,700 years ago. The Natufians, who lived in seasonal settlements like the Nahal Me‛arot cave complex, hunted and gathered locally.

An analysis of animal bones with cut marks found that over a third of the bones came from lizards and snakes, predominantly larger species that were easier to catch. European glass lizards, whip snakes, and Eastern Montpellier snakes were among the most frequently found reptile remains. Other reptiles consumed in smaller quantities included toads, frogs, chameleons, skinks, boas, sand racers, and a few venomous vipers.

The Natufians' varied diet, which also included mountain gazelles, small mammals, aquatic birds, and tortoises, sustained them until the advent of agriculture introduced new food sources.