A fifth–sixth century CE lynx (Lynx lynx L., 1758) skeleton from Hungary: Cranial morphology and zoological interpretations.

The articulated skeleton of an adult male lynx was found in association with four dogs and scattered bones of other domesticates in a pit at Zamárdi‐Kútvölgyi‐dűlő II, Hungary. Lynx remains occur rarely in the archaeological record, and protocols for ageing and sexing do not exist. The intact skull of the skeleton offered an opportunity to review the craniological features of the species in comparison with a reference material of extant individuals, complementing our knowledge of lynx osteology, providing an empirical basis for zooarchaeological evaluation. Although caution is due in assigning a concrete function to the curious Zamárdi deposit, familiarity with the craniological properties, habitat preferences, and behavior of Eurasian lynx is indispensable in cultural interpretations subject to a forthcoming study on the osteoarchaeology of this rare wild felid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]